Rodger's Family Album

2011-04-11T13:18:00.002-05:00

Update on the Kids and Grandkids in Seattle

Several of you have asked how my son, Andrew, and wife, Elisabeth, and grandkids, Lena and Augy are doing since they moved. Well, they are doing great! They found a lovely condo not far from the coast near Andrew’s job in Seattle. They have been visiting parks almost every night according to Elisabeth. She said, “The air just smells so fresh!” It’s still rainy and chilly up there, but it’s so beautiful too! That’s why dear hubby, who grew up there, has had such a hard time acclimating to Texas. It’s a real ‘step down’ for him. LoL! He wants us to retire there someday, and now I’m sure we will!

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New Job and New House

Andrew’s job is going great!. He has settled right in and enjoys the work. He and Elisabeth found a gorgeous condo. I love the dark wood in their kitchen and bathroom. They bought quite a bit of furniture from IKEA and are getting everything installed and in place. They now have two matching high chairs for Lena and Augy. Aren’t the kids darling? We so miss them! But we are all getting very good at Skyping using web cams. Lena saw Tim and I during one of our ‘skype visits’ one night and she immediately said, “Bubbles!!” So they got the handheld bubble machine I bought her and she blew bubbles while we cheered her on. Oh..that hurts just a bit. How I wish I was there! (This was her favorite activity at our house.)

Visiting Family from Germany and Washington

Elisabeth's mom, Elfie, is at their house for a visit this month (she’s from Germany), and her brother, Johannes came over for dinner with a friend from Vancouver last week. That really blesses me to know the Elisabeth’s family who have been so far away are now more accessible. She really needs that I think. :o) After Elisabeth’s mom flies back to Germany, they will come down here for graduations and saying goodbye to Jacob who will be leaving for bootcamp in Mid-May. Andrew and Elisabeth visited Tim’s Uncle Jon and Aunt Elaine and his brother and wife, Mike and Kristi Rodgers and their twins. I’m so glad they are getting to know some of Tim’s family from the Washington area. :o)

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Coming to Texas in May for a Visit!

They will stay for us for a weekend, then Andrew has to fly back to work, but Ebeth will be here for a month. She will be staying with us for a week at the end of May. Ah..six or seven days of grandbaby and DIL bliss! I’m so looking forward to their visit! Well…for those of you who asked how they were, I do hope you enjoyed this photo update. :o) Here’s counting the days until May 17th!!

God’s Country…

Ok, so it’s not the only country that God made..but you have to admit..It’s GORGEOUS!

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2011-04-11T09:06:00.000-05:00

Update on the Kids and Grandkids in Seattle

New Job and New House

Andrew’s job is going great. He has settled right in and enjoys the work. He and Elisabeth found a gorgeous condo. I love the dark wood. got quite a bit of furniture from IKEA and are getting everything installed and in place. They now have two matching high chairs for Lena and Augy. Aren’t the kids darling? We so miss them! But we are all getting very good at Skyping using web cams. Lena saw Tim and I during one of our ‘skype visits’ one night and she immediately said, “Bubbles!!” So they got the handheld bubble machine I bought her and she blew bubbles while we cheered her on. Oh..that hurts just a bit. How I wish I was there! (This was her favorite activity at our house.)

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Visiting Family from Germany and Washington

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Coming to Texas in May for a Visit!

Multiple Summaries or Jump Breaks with Open and Close Read More - TEMPLATE

2011-04-10T00:05:00.023-05:00

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Tuesday Tea No.1~Tuesday Tea, Kids in Seattle, Best Cookie Ever, Civil War Ball Gown, and God's Country

2011-04-09T17:46:00.113-05:00

Tea and Dickens...the Perfect Combination!

Welcome to my first weekly 'tea chat'! I'm so glad you dropped by today and hope you enjoy your visit through an entire week of adventures at our house. I'm having some English Breakfast tea in my very favorite coffee cup. It's the first piece of real 'china' that I ever owned and probably cemented my Anglophile tendencies!

I found this at Ross (an outlet store) when my kids were just babies and it's made in England! That's where I'd most love to travel someday ...It's a trip that I hope we will make after the kids are all on their own.

I love this cup because many of my favorite authors (English ones I might add) have the spines of their books on the cup. I made my tea or coffee in this delicate coffee mug, regularly, to have for my afternoon quiet time while enjoying another chapter or two of one of my favorite Dickens novels. He wrote so many! And they are all nice and long. :o) Have I ever told you that one of Dickens' favorite topics is the 'virtues of a wonderful homemaker'?

I must say, Miss Amy of a Tea Girl in a Coffee World was determined to out do herself..but I just about died when I saw her birthday tea party for her little girl. It was just darling!! And Rayanne from A Lovely Thought's blue photos..were amazing..plus she shared a yummy looking recipe for Sugar Cakes. I've got to print that out and try those! Everyone's tea posts were just amazing..as usual! Thanks so much for joining! Be sure to visit ladies..It's like a free 'beautiful homes tour'. :o)

Let's have Tea!

If you would like to join my tea party, just link up your post right here. I'd love to come visit and see your tea post too!

The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie

My best friend, Laurie, is the cookie queen, and just last week, she shared her ‘The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie’ recipe. Rebekah, my daughter, made them last night and they are NOT exaggerating! I’ve never tasted such a good cookie! I was really skeptical that there even was such a thing. But they proved me wrong. This photo is not of the recipe I’m going to share. They are just cookies Rebekah made recently.

The cookies she made from this recipe are not pictured but they were crunchy and chewy at the same time and were melt in your mouth heaven. If there is such a thing as the perfect texture of a cookie, than this was it.

Read the story of how Laurie found the perfect cookie recipe...and get the recipe..right here...

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Update on the Kids and Grandkids in Seattle

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Texas ~ God’s Country…

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Ok, so it’s not the only country that God made..but you have to admit..It’s GORGEOUS! Rebekah and I couldn't resist taking photos as our trees began to leaf out. What a scene!

Rebekah’s Civil War Ball Gown and a Peek at Dicken’s on the Strand

It’s been a busy week here while we prepare for an upcoming graduation party. While cleaning the closets, what do you think we found, but the photo shoot of my daughter Rebekah, at age 14, in the Civil War Ball Gown that I sewed for her. It took me six months, had 17 yards of white satin, many yards of black lace, eight corsages (that we made ourselves) and tons of hand stitching! This was such a huge sewing task. I think I counted 79 pieces in the dress.

The pattern I used was Simplicity 5724 and it’s a Civil War / Victorian era Ball Gown/Dress Pattern for her to wear to Dicken’s on the Strand in Galveston. We pulled out the dress..washed it..pressed it, and Rebekah tried it on. Can you believe she actually fit in it?

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Here are photos of hand sewn eyelet holes, boning, hand sewn homemade bias tape, oversleeves, and french puff sleeves.

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It has a lot of sewing features that I had never tried before like cartridge pleats, seven rows of ruffle gathered with quilting thread, French puff sleeves, oversleeves, overskirt, beveled pleats, boning in the separate bodice, bertha collar, hand sewn homemade bias tape, 40 hand sewn eyelet holes for the lace up back of the bodice and that’s just the main part of what comes to mind.

It was a sewing education, I must say. So as not to get overwhelmed, I split up the parts of the dress into ziplock gallon bags and labled them~ collar, sleeves, bodice, underskirt overskirt, ruffles, bias tape, oversleeve etc. I remember sitting for hours sewing the tiny little eyelet holes. I love hand-sewing!

When we went to Dicken’s on the strand, we could not walk three feet without people stopping us and wanting to have their photo taken with Rebekah. She was called up for round two in the ‘best dressed Victorian woman’ at the contest they hold at Dicken’s on the Strand.

I arranged for a photographer for Rebekah and she took these photos at The Woodlands Waterway, and the Fountains at Portofino Mall. Rebekah was in heaven the year I made this dress for her! We have such special memories of me ‘sewing away’ while she watched. She was terrified to help me. But she paid for most of the dress with saved Christmas money. She bought the black lace gloves, black lace, flowers, and black lace fan.

While we were watching the parade at Dicken’s on the Strand, I was tapped on the shoulder by a woman from France who was there with her husband. She offered me a thousand dollars to make her the exact same dress. But I told her no thanks. My hands had begun going numb from the handwork. It took six months to sew (due to the rest of life interrupting of course) and I couldn’t see doing that again. :o) Really, it was a labor of love!

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We plan to hit Dicken’s on the Strand again this year, since she can still wear the dress. Frankly, I was impressed. She’s a size 4. BTW, I put the darts in the bodice just as the pattern called for, but then I basted them flat because at the time, Rebekah didn’t need darts. It’s hard to believe that I made this when she was really just a young girl. A year later..we let out the darts. LoL! The nice thing is that the collar was made separately from the bodice. Then you hand tack it to the bodice after you make it. It hid the basting I had put in at the top. I didn’t want to spend half a year making a dress only to have it be worthless a year later when she started developing. :o)

I have asked her to seriously consider a black and red wedding! Why make a wedding dress..when it won’t be anything compared to this!

For The All You 'tecky' Bloggers out there...a Bonus!

How to Make Multiple Summaries or Jump Breaks in the Same Post..

If you are at all impressed by the amazing format..just know that it was all due to the genius of Leoparddrengen who answered my 'blog' question though I didn't ask it, "How do you do multiple page breaks in the same post?" I knew I wanted to do that, but had no idea how to begin. Well, this guy wrote up a quick html template to answer someone's question (identical) to mine. My programmer hubby analyzed it and taught me a 'quick' lesson in html programming and how it works. And we designed our own post template based off of his. You can access it here if you can make use of it.

But don't ask me to walk you through it. Honestly, it would take a very very long post to explain how carefully you have to cut and paste your html to fit in the text spots without messing up the format. But a 'tecky' gal could do it if she was really determined--like me Ha!--, so I'm making it available for the fearless bloggers out there. :o)

I tried and tried..and failed several times today (equaling about an hour and a half each) before I finally got this right. That's why I'm finally publishing at 1:00am! (Do you know how many cups of tea that equals?!) Yipes! This baby was written hours ago..parts of it LAST WEEK. But I kept copying and pasting the wrong code into my format! But I've finally come up with a system that works. Now my newsletter style post looks nice and streamlined..and you don't have a super long post to read. Just expand the parts that you want. :o)

The photo albums came from Windows Live Writer which Maria of Color Me Happy suggested. I'm so glad she did! There's so much you can do with that program..and it's free!

PS. I know that some of my albums don't work. I'm still learning how to work that feature. Sadly, my big computer crashed and the darling photos of the grandkids are all on there. So Tim will have to get the photos off the hard way. It may be a couple of days before I get my photos back. Thank goodness my computer is backed up though. Most of my stuff is safely burned on CDs.

What a week! Hope you are not having so many kinks with your computer as I am.

Ah well..such is life. :o)

Linking with

Tracie’s Cottage Flora Thursday

Cindy’s Friday Show and Tell at My Romantic Home

Melissa’s My Crafty Weekend

Raising Homemakers’ Wednesday Link Up
Deb's Fantastic Friday

And for Tea...

Lady Katherine's Tea Time Tuesday

The Plumed Pen's Tea for Two

Rose Chintz Tea Time Tuesday

Martha's Favorite Teacup Tuesday
Wanda Lee's Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday
Pam's Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

A Delightsome Life: A Return to Loveliness

Cleaning our bedroom closet

2010-10-17T23:47:00.000-05:00

Writing a test post

What I'm doing today...photos of life at the Rodgers' House

2010-07-08T19:26:00.001-05:00

Wow--Ten days can go by so fast! No way did I get everything on my list done while participating in the Ten Tasks in Ten Days challenge. ( I can't imagine why---though the photo above might give a clue. :o) I'm so glad that Gina at Shabby Chic Cottage started the challenge though. It really made me get a few balls rolling! Thanks Gina!

I did make some homemade soap (almost) with the grandkids and we had a lot of fun! Basically, five of my ten days were used to just have fun! And I sure did and so did the rest of the family. :o)

I was also THRILLED to win a DARLING apron from the Freckled Bug as part of Diana's Texas Blogging Gals Recent Giveaway.

Wow--I just about fainted for joy. Though I can hardly imagine cleaning is this gorgeous apron! I did alter it a bit by gathering the waistband with elastic so Rebekah and I can both wear it. :o) It goes great with my home sewn blouse. :o) I love the colors especially!

If you want to see more of the beautiful things the Freckled Bug Makes--just check out her blog.

Ten Tasks in Ten Days Challenge at Shabby Chic Cottage

1. Finish Mom's couch cushion covers - I'm starting today! Got four whole days to work on them while all the children are gone for the week.

2. Help son get driver's permit. -- Jacob finished his first six hours, studied the book...and we are going to the office tomorrow morning! Hurrah!

3. De-clutter dear hubby's closet. Oops--well..rats! NO, I didn't--but I did re-decorate the bedroom. :o) It's gorgeous though not painted with the proper colors yet. (I'll tell you all about my PAINTING plans tomorrow!)

4. Finish purple square dance skirt. --Sigh...no I didn't do that either. I sure wanted too, but instead I've been working on a cute little "Just for Fun" tote bag for my daughter-in-law's birthday. Does that count?

5. Lose five pounds. Lost 3 pounds--but whose complaining about that? Aim high I always say!

6. Learn to sell on Ebay! So--close and yet so far. I really need to to do this--and now that I want to buy paint I'm more determined than ever. My conscience..I mean--my daughter--talked me into waiting until we sell stuff on ebay to buy the new paint colors that my friend, Maria Killam, recommended last week. I'll tell you all about that wonderful event tomorrow. :o)

7. Ship Dad's mementos to distant family. Sigh--no not yet. But hopefully, this week. :o)

8. Get finances completely up- to-date. Almost done! Yippee!!

9. Write Christian's lesson plans for summer school. (Nope--but he's on vacation this week...so I'll do that at the end of the week.)

10. Add ruffle to checkered square dance skirt. Rats! And I so wanted to do that--but no sewing machine until this week.--Hope springs eternal!

However, I did get my quilted wall hanging sent to Debby of The Cozy Blanket. I'm so glad she liked it. :o)

And so goes life! What projects would you like to get done this summer?

Happy Homemaking!

Just a little Howdy from Colorado!

2010-05-24T00:05:00.000-05:00

Dear Readers,
I just had to write a little note to say "Howdy" and thank all of you who have signed up to follow my blog recently. I was so surprised and blessed! :o) As you know, I have been on the road with my 17 yr. old son, Jacob, and some friends since March 17th and the opportunities to send a post or comment etc. have been very few and far between.

The internet just isn't that great at 11,500 ft!

And it is rather embarrassing to climb through to the back of the closet of a nice hostess trying to find the WPA number off of their router box. Karyn was quite willing, but it still didn't work.

I've had a few opportunities to get online, but not many. Occasionally, I would work offline and then save the posts to publish when I got 30 minutes here or there.

As most of you know, I love posting helpful homemaking articles, my latest sewing project, how to's for a new sewing or craft project, home cooking.

And I love sharing some of the many talks I've given at workshops over the years on home organizing, cleaning and even home education.

I also love visiting your blogs and seeing your latest creations or what's going on with you! I have to say I have missed you all so much! It's just not real 'southern hospitality' to have visitors over and not get to say thanks and drop by for a visit myself!

Jacob and I are having a wonderful time on this special road trip for him with the two debate tournaments and a ski trip sandwiched in the middle.....

but I look forward to getting home again and spending a nice evening making the acquaintance of all my new visitors too.

We will be headed home this Sunday. I'll be sure to do some return visiting early next week. Until then...I'll drop a note now and then here at Comin' Home.

I did want to say thanks so much for all the sweet comments--I really appreciate them!

And thanks so much for coming by!
Donna

PS. I learned a great photography tip that I wanted to share with you, just in case your are headed out on a trip any time soon. I discovered that if I zoom in as close as the camera will allow and then take all those pictures of the beautiful panoramic scenes whizzing past the car, I get much more 'picturesque' scenes.

I took all of these photos while my friend Peggy drove through the mountains from New Mexico to Colorado. They just turned out so much better zoomed in!

Then you don't have to crop them later and the resolution is much better. Give it a try on your next trip and tell me how you like it.

On The Road Again!

2010-05-24T00:03:00.001-05:00

Well, hopefully I will be able to post on a semi-regular basis..but for the next two weeks, my son Jacob, and I will be on the road! We are traveling through Amarillo...whoo-hoo!!

Then on to New Mexico, for the Chile Regional Qualifier (speech & debate tournament) for four days. From their we will head up to Leadville, Co. for two days of skiing (I'll watch thank you!) ...Jacob that is.. (Perhaps I can sneak in some crochet or quilting!)

Then we will drive over to Denver, Co. for four more days at the Colorado National Open tournament. (We know you'll do us proud, Jacob!) And then it will be back down to Amarillo (Yee-Haw!) and finally, back home...

It's been crazy getting ready...but we're off! I will send some posts where I can. I should be able to put up some things I've been working on. We'll have some book reviews, favorite websites, a couple of good sewing 'how to's that I've been saving, plus a couple of 'From the heart" issues. Plus...we'll drop a few post cards along the way!

See you..One thing is for sure, I will get the Friday Show and Tell's posted...so send me some pictures! That way I won't be too lonely until I get back!

See you soon!

Donna

Tractor Happy!

2010-04-27T09:39:00.000-05:00

What do you do when you wake up to an absolutely beautiful crisp winter day? That's right..get out the tractor!!! At least that's what you do around here.What is it about tractors that is so fascinating to the male gender?...the mud?..the grease?..the feel of cold hard metal...or maybe it's just those awesome big tires! Whatever it is, the boys come running when they hear the beautiful sound of the tractor engine start up...

I have to say that Tim is absolutely 'tractor happy' today. Actually he's been suffering from a severe case of 'tractor envy' for some time now. The gas powered blower satisfied him for some time...but it just wasn't quite enough--he wanted something much bigger!
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Jacob and Jasmine win 3rd place at NCFCA's Colorado Nat. Open!

2010-03-30T08:27:00.000-05:00

Jacob and Jasmine win 3rd place...missed finals by 1 ballot! (Split 2-3) against Paul-Walkenhaur!

Jacob wins 8th place speaker award!

Jacob and Jasmine also pre-qualified for the Nationals competition in Virginia this June! Hurray!

Jacob borrows Nathan's guitar to play a litte music too. Jasmine is enjoying the break since they broke straight to Octafinals and didn't have to debate Double Octs on Friday night.

Laura and Ben did not break but since they have already won to finals in previous tournaments this year, we still think they did an awesome job!

Laura made it to semi-finals in Persuasive speaking--Yeah Laura! (on right..sorry for the blurry pix!) The next picture of her is better.

Pictured here are Nathan Exley, Grace Larimer, and Kristy Reid..friends from Region 4 who wrote great speeches! Marshal did too, but my picture came out pretty bad.

Ben made it to semi-finals in apologetics too! Jacob Philip and Daniel Rosenberger, also from Logos, made it to semi-finals in Duo interp. Jacob Philip, from our Logos club got 12th place in Lincoln-Douglas Debate and even more exciting...2nd place LD speaker award! It was a great day for Logos and for our region! You can read all about it at the NCFCA website Also click here for the Speech Events!
The kids had a great time visiting with their friends from Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Mexico. Pictured here areMarshall Yaklin, Nathan Exley (guitarist), Pete Ehrett in the background and Jasmine Noman and Laura Strack, (avid worship music lovers!).

Laura visits with friends, including Sarah Dana and Paul Exley after a long day of debating.

Jacob and Jasmine wait for the debate to begin!

Jasmine doesn't look one bit worried. She's cool as a cucumber. Watch out for her cross X!

Jacob, the second neg. speaker, greets the judges before the semi-final round with Paul/Walkenhaur.

Jasmine, the first neg. speaker, greets the judges next.

Region Four friends, including Laura, Chrissy, Patience, Ben, Nathan, Ty, Pete, Mr. Ehrett and many others, crowd in to the room to watch the fun and take a few notes. This will be a debate to remember!

Peggy and I, were present of course. Peggy even abandoned the 'tab room', where she is usually working quietly away, to watch Jasmine.

Laura is nearby and I for one was glad...she's my 'buddy'. :o)

Here's a Video of Jacob giving a "Negative Speech" against their case.

Here's a video of Jasmine giving the first 'negative speech'.

Howdy From Leadville Colorado!

2010-03-27T08:28:00.000-05:00

Jacob, Jasmine, and Laura go Skiing between tournaments in Leadville, CO.

Jacob and I have been on the road for a week now.

Here are some pictures on our way to go ski in Leadville, Colorado with Peggy Noman and her daughter, Jasmine (Jacob's debate partner.) and Laura Strack her good friend.

Jacob and I are having a wonderful time on this special road trip for him with the two debate tournaments and a ski trip sandwiched in the middle.....butt I look forward to getting home again soon!

I couldn't ski because I just couldn't breathe. I pretty much struggled with alititude sickness the whole time.

As long as I sat in the lodge and watched the skiers I was fine, but as soon as I started lugging bags around and hiking up and down the stairs and out to the car, I thought my heart would pound out of my chest.

Here is a picture of Jacob, Jasmine, and Laura skiing at Ski Cooper in Leadville. It was cold but they had a great time.

At night, it was hard to breathe well. Thank goodness, Peggy thought to tell me to start drinking gatorade and water more. It really did help some.

We we left for Denver and the second debate tournament on Wednesday. The first day of debate got cancelled due to snow closing the campus.

Peggy did a great job driving down the mountains which had a lot of snow and ice. It was a steep grade down hill for miles! Instead of two hours it took about four plus stops.

We stayed with a family in Denver and drove Peggy's van while the girls and Peggy stayed at a nearby hotel. Our hostess' home was about 20 minutes away. They were a very nice family and we enjoyed visiting with them. I'm so grateful we managed to avoid hotels at both tournaments!

We went to several nice places to eat and saw lots and lots and lots of snow! We drove in it, climbed through it and Jacob skiied in it.

Even at the tournament, there was lots of snow and the Texan kids couldn't resist a snow ball fight or two. In fact I saw a few mini-snowmen... probably made by a few 'snow deprived' Houstonians. That looked a little odd on the grounds of the University of Denver where the tournament took place. Ha!

Anyway, it's been a great trip...but it will be good to be home!

PS. I learned a great photography tip that I wanted to share with you, just in case your are headed out on a trip any time soon. I discovered that if I zoom in as close as the camera will allow and then take all those pictures of the beautiful panoramic scenes whizzing past the car, I get much more 'picturesque' scenes.

I took all of these photos while my friend Peggy drove through the mountains from New Mexico to Colorado. They just turned out so much better zoomed in!

Then you don't have to crop them later and the resolution is much better.

Jasmine and Jacob win 2nd Place at NCFCA's Chile Qualifier in New Mexico!

2010-03-20T08:50:00.000-05:00

Jacob and Jasmine place 2^nd at Chile Qualifier in New Mexico! and Jacob won 2nd speaker position! Jasmine also won 11th speaker team policy speaker position. Peggy and I are so proud of them! Their good friends, Ben and Laura won third place. It was very exciting for all of us. Just thought you'd like to see some pictures from the Speech and Debate Tournament we just attended in Farmington, New Mexico.

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Jasmine and Jacob win 3rd Place at DFW tournament

2010-02-15T00:03:00.000-06:00

Tex takes a Break

2010-02-10T23:16:00.000-06:00

Tex decides to take a break in the back pasture

New Grandbaby! Meet Baby Nicholai Stephen Rodgers

2010-02-05T23:44:00.000-06:00

Isn't he so darling? Tim and I are so happy to have another grandson. The first picture is of Brenan (1) and Nikolai and the second is of Colin (1)with Nikolai. These three are my grandchildren from my oldest son, Matthew and his wife Amanda who are stationed in North Carolina at Camp LeJune. I sure wish they lived closer!

I'll let Amanda tell you all about the birth of Nikolai in her own words.......

Here are a couple pictures of Nikolai that Matthew took. The labor was really great. I started having contractions around 3 Monday afternoon, but didn't really go into labor until around 9. The doctor broke my water just after 2 am, and he was born about an hour later, at 3:20. Only the last hour after my water broke was really intense, before that the labor was fairly mild- I'd much rather have a 7 hour labor like this one than a 4 hour labor like Colin's! Colin and Brennan were both very intense from start to finish.

Nikolai was born weighing 9 pounds, 1 ounce, and 21 inches long. He had a pretty low blood sugar level right after he was born, even after nursing, so I had to give him a bottle of glucose formula, and that helped bring it up to normal. They still checked his sugar level every few hours until he had several good readings in a row, because it had been so low, and they wanted to make sure it didn't plummet again. Everything else was pretty good, and the hospital was very supportive of me wanting to have a natural birth. They knew I'd already had two homebirths, and that Brennan was close to 9 1/2 pounds, so they weren't too worried about me, and let me do pretty much whatever I wanted. All in all, it was better than I expected it to be.

Colin and Brennan both love having a new baby. Brennan wouldn't even look at either me or Nikolai the first day, until Matthew brought him up on the bed and made him touch him. Today he's been climbing up on the bed next to us and "holding" Nikolai and giving him kisses. It's really sweet! Colin from the very beginning has been bringing toys and blankets for him, and wanting to do everything he can for him. He got kind of freaked out when he saw the umbilical cord when I did a diaper change- I don't think he was expecting that! I told him that was how his belly button was made, and "the black thing" will fall off when it's done, and that made him happy again. He's been doing a lot better than I thought he would.

One of us will send some more pictures soon. I just wanted to get a couple sent now so everyone could see the new little guy.

Happy Birthday to Donna

2010-02-05T10:00:00.000-06:00

Why am I holding my birthday candles...well that's a great question!

It all started out simple enough. Jacob lit the candles on my birthday 'pie' (I love pecan pie!!) just like he was supposed to. Then Tim brought the pie while everyone sang Happy Birthday to me...just like they are supposed to. So far..so good. And I blew out the candles but due to age and mental confusion forgot to make a wish...

Since we only had five candles...instead of 47...that was fine. Thumbs up..great job for Mom!

And then I pulled out all the candles so we could slice the pie..and then they began to re-light, one by one. Hence the picture of me holding my candles...all lit up. Very funny...So I dipped them in water to put them out and we all had a nice piece of pie.

We were going to all go out to dinner to Cracker Barrel, but I had missed so many family nights that I decided I wanted us to go somewhere cheaper and get a couple of movies and go birthday shopping instead. We went to Long Johns/A&W so everyone could get what they wanted. (I love Long John's!) Then we headed over to Movie Gallery and lo & behold...I got a free movie because ...you guessed it--it was my birthday-Hurrah! We also got a second free movie because we were 'inactive' and had just received a call inviting us back. I didn't know we had gotten a call..but hey--that's great!

We watched Ice Age 3 which was hilarious and had us all in stitches. We went to Hobby-Lobby to get a really special birthday present...a 25 lb. hunk of clay. I know--you're so jealous!! I inherited some of my dad's sculpting tools and a book and I really want to try my hand at sculpting...in my spare time. (I know..I don't have any--but you never know..some may pop up!) If I have the supplies on hand, then I can get started when that magic moment--spare time--arrives.

Tim gave me some beautiful flowers and the kids gave me an Itunes card to buy some goodies for my new ITouch. Mom gave me a lady statue and a darling pile of turtles stacked on top of each other made out of shells (I collect turtles.) My sisters, Lisa and Trisha, bought me a very nice sweater (Yes.. I found it at the Dad's house--it was lost.) I got several sweet cards too. I also got one new grandchild, Nicolai, for my birthday--which was awesome!! Of course, I'll let Amanda and Matthew keep him for now. But the best gift of all..is just being home--at last!

Jacob & Jasmine win 3rd Place and Jacob wins 1st Place Speaker Award!

2010-02-01T00:19:00.000-06:00

I wish I had pictures from the tournament in Dallas to post, but Jacob is with Rebekah at the Reynolds' home getting ready for tomorrow's Mock Trial competition and he has the camera with all the pictures.

Ah well, for now you will have to settle for the trophies and a picture of us from last year. I was home about five days and then had to leave to take Jacob to the DFW qualifier tournament. He and Jasmine had a perfect record all the way up until finals. Of 58 teams, they were the only ones to have a perfect preliminary record of 6 wins and 0 losses! They were the top rated team of the tournament!

They didn't lose any rounds or judges in the outrounds...not even one until the semi-finals. They will have to work on a few things in their case, but considering that Jasmine had a 104 fever the last day, I think they did fantastic! I can't wait to post the sweet pictures of them with their trophies and of our whole club who all did really wonderful!

Even though they won 3rd place as a debate team out of 58 teams (which is great of course) it was a really special treat that Jacob won FIRST PLACE Speaker Award for Team Policy!! Since this was a Texas State Championship tournament, he automatically received a free invitation to the Texas Home School Coalition Banquet to whom former president George W. Bush has been invited. They believe he will attend. Jacob is thrilled. He was given a standing ovation for his win and I was just about to burst! Usually the 1st place speaker is one of the members of the winning team.

Of course, he is already busily working at home to prepare for the next tournament. He and his good friend, Cody Stevens, are working on a duo and he and Jasmine will be working very hard to make their case even better. We finally got home on Tuesday night (my birthday), but that's for another post. It's great to be home!

Good-bye Daddy

2010-01-21T18:57:00.001-06:00

Meet...my dad!!

Stephan Arthur Smith went to be with his Lord and Savior in the early hours of January 8th, 2010 .at the age of 66. He courageously endured a year long battle with cancer.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois and was the son of Floyd and Maxine Dody Smith. His family moved to Grandprairie, Texas when he was in grade school. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sandra, and a baby son, Stephen Jr..

Stephen is survived by his beloved fiance of 23 years, Nancy Vire,

by his four daughters,

(Pictured with my dear step-mom, Mary. Donna not pictured in first photo--Heather not pictured in second photo.)

Donna Rodgers and husband, Tim, of Willis, Tx., Lisa Aardmas and husband, Herman, of Glenwood Springs, Co., Trisha Tushim and Paul Vaughn of Campbell, Tx. and Heather Taylor and husband, George Stonequist of Denton, Tx, and by his brother, Terry Smith and wife Phyllis and their children, Debbie and Steve of Brownsburg, Indiana.

He was also survived by Donna C.(Wood) Yorke and Mary E. (Whisenant) Smith of previous marriages.

He was a doting Grandpa and is survived by 13 grandchildren, Donna's children, Matthew, Andrew, Rebekah, Jacob, and Christian, Lisa's children, Amanda, Jennifer, Crystal, Laura, and April and Trisha's children, Kimberly, Samuel, and Makayla Tushim and by five great grandchildren, Colin, Brenan, Stephen (due Feb.5), James and Lena.

He was also dearly loved and will be greatly missed by Nancy's family who have also call him Dad and Grandpa for many years. He is survived by her children, Marty and Mary Vire and their children, Katy, Mike, Angela and Jenny, great-grandchild, Johnny as well as, David and Judy Vire, and children Erin, Larry, and Kristen

Stephen graduated from Grand Prairie Highschool in 1961, and studied at Southwest Baptist Seminary. He was a faithful employee of Bell Helicopter Textron in Arlington, Texas for over 40 years as an inspector and retired in 2006.

He was a gifted artist who spent much of his spare time painting and sculpting, and doing calligraphy, gold leaf writing.He was an avid urban homesteader who loved raising livestock and enjoyed riding horses. He had many hobbies and interests. He loved camping, fishing, gardening, bonsai, raising fish in his huge tank, horticulture, geneology, computer technology and psychology. He thoroughly enjoyed exploring his Scottish heritage, learning to cook Scottish dishes and regularly attended the Texas Scottish Festival and Games and the Greek food festivals held in Arlington each year.

Stephen was a loving son and brother--faithfully and lovingly caring for his mother and his mentally ill sister for many years until their deaths.

He was a faithful and much loved member of St. Andrews Episcopal church serving on the Vestry and as Junior Warden for many years.

He enjoyed supervising their acolytes and was very active with Nancy, serving as pack committee members of the St. Andrew's Boy Scout Pack No. 503. He generously supported the Easter Seals, the Disabled American Veterans and especially the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

We will all miss his fun loving sense of humor, his grin, and the twinkle in his eye as he teased us. But we are also glad that he is now out of pain, happy and at peace with His Lord.

Dad has gone home to be with the Lord

2010-01-10T22:36:00.000-06:00

Daddy's home...in the arms of our heavenly father as of 3:45am this morning. I'm so glad he isn't hurting anymore. He's at peace in a way that he has never been in this earthly life.

I learned a new skill this week...but not one I ever dreamed of learning. How to make a dear father comfortable as he passed from this life to the arms of our Lord in the next. Can I ever express the gratitude Ifeel to all the hospice workers who helped make that transition as easy and homey as possible?

I can't believe that someone, who loomed so largely in my life's picture, is now no more. The last 16 days have been special beyond words. Daddy gave me a sculpture to remember him by. But the real memories were the 20 hours a day of sitting by his bed assuring him that it would all be 'ok'.

I'm so so so glad that he is finally out of pain and feeling totally accepted and beloved by our heavenly Father. That is something he has never known from an earthly father. Yesterday, I made another baby hat to pass the time between my father's lucid moments, and his sleeping or confused ones. At 2 am, the nightime nurse, Anna, told me it was time to give Dad his next set of meds. She wasn't allowed to give liquid morphine or anxiety meds..only family.

All night long I woke to give him more and keep him comfortable. At 2, I walked in to his bedroom and he said" Hi Donna!" ...just like the old comfortable loving Dad I have always known. I was so shocked that I sat with him from 2-4am. So what if those were the only sensible words he said the whole night. The tone was one I have always known--he remembered me and it was so wonderful!

How I am going to miss him. Please pray for a peaceful and smooth resolution of all the knitty-gritty details of planning the funeral, and settling the details of his will.

It is suddenly so very quiet in his house. I turned the baby monitor off..the one I set up in his bedroom so I would hear the slightest call for help. I'm not running back and forwards and scrambling for meds, and soda or just running to comfort him and assure him that he is not alone. No more goose neck or medications. It's all done. I can sleep now for the first time in two weeks. But it seems lonely some how.

Last night, after Nancy and I had arranged transport to the hospice center, while he was passing from this world to his heavenly home, I sang every hymn I knew to him. I saw a tear in his eye. I read passage after passage of scripture. Nancy held him in her arms and cuddled his head and told him he was going to be Okay. She's loved him for 20 years in a way a daughter cannot. He calls her his angel. Death, like birth, it seems,...is a miracle too. It is scary..but it is real and more importantly, it is the link between this earthly life and the next. I was awed as Dad looked off into the distance...so expectantly..as if he saw the Lord coming to meet him. I felt I was at the doorstep of heaven...but it is not my time to make that journey.

"I come to the garden alone...while the dew is still on the roses. And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the son of God discloses..."
And he walks with me and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own. And the joy we share, as we tary there. None other, has ever known...

I will really miss my dear dad...and am glad that someday, I will see him again.

Donna

Ps. The visitation will be at Bean-Massey -Burge in Grand Prairie, Tx on Mon. at 5-7pm. The funeral will be at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church at 2pm on Tuesday, Jan.12.

Dad is home from the hospital!

2009-12-30T09:43:00.000-06:00

I am finally able to get on my father's computer, after I found his password, to post a little update. He couldn't remember it due to the influence of his pain medication. My last post was made from the hospital and I have been trying to get settled in with my dad, at his house, ever since. I just brought him home yesterday. He had a bad fall last night, but is fine now.

Today, I'm working towards getting my laptop connected through his wireless connection. Hopefully, I will be able to do some more posting in a day or two. This last few days have been some of the hardest of my life, but blogging, if I can make it work, will be my sanity saver! Last night, I finally thought to bring out something to work on while we visited. I spent the evening crocheting a colonial baby cap out of yarn while my dad talked and talked with me. It really helped pass the time and helped me be more patient.

He is eating normally which is a miracle! He isn't hurting from the cancer and isn't throwing up or having diarrhea. He hasn't been able to eat real food in a month and now is enjoying every bite again. I helped him get through tons of mail, threw out old food, watered plants, and ordered new meds and oxygen tanks.

Thursday....

We mainly need to get a power of attorney done, I pray today, at the bank, so I can pay his bills. It's something he wanted me to do months ago, but never felt good enough to arrange. Also, we printed a medical power of attorney, so we can take care of him. I almost couldn't get him to sign in at the hospital. The meds are wreaking havoc on his ability to think...in fact he is just crazy on the meds.

The stress on me has been intense but I'm getting better everyday. I'm looking forward to going home over the weekend. Nancy works during the day but is off on weekends and will stay with him then. Tim and the kids are saving our New Year's Celebration for me until Friday night.

Rebekah and I will do our monthly grocery shopping then and get her stocked up. She said she is feeling like she can handle things, but I'm planning to buy quite a few frozen entrees to give her a few days off of cooking each week. She will start classes in mid-January.

Tim moved his computer into the house so he can supervise school for Christian and Jacob next week. Apparently, we now own a 'new to us' truck!! It's a silver GMC and has a big cab. We finally decided to do that since our country roads tear up every vehicle that drives over them. It kills suspension, engine mounts, and tie rods. We never intended for a truck to be the main family vehicle, but it's the only thing that can handle the beatings that a community maintained road hands out-Ha!
Please keep us in your prayers. My husband and kids are at home managing on their own and we don't know how long I will need to be here. We are making progress every day towards making this work for everyone and I believe my sisters will be able to take turns soon. We are still getting dad settled into the idea of us taking care of him instead of vice-versa. The home health care people are gearing up for regular visits for baths, and physical theraphy and medical evaluations. It's quite a process to get going, but I hope to it will all be more manageable soon.

Love,
Donna

Dad is in the hospital..

2009-12-24T08:07:00.000-06:00

Right now, I'm typing from Denton ...several hours from home this morning, getting ready to go spend another day in hospital with my dad. As you know, he has cancer and took a turn for worse only a few days ago. He didn't sound right on the phone, so I started packing..quick. His sweet fiance (of 20 years) had been worried all week that he was not handling the chemo very well any more and I had already planned to come stay the day after Christmas.Thank goodness, once I got here, we got him checked into the hospital, and he was mostly suffering from dehydration from too much vomiting and diarrhea along with confusion from too much pain medication. Things just sort of snowballed into what could have been a life threatening situation.

I don't know quite where we are going from here. For now, Tim is caring for the kids, Rebekah and Ebeth are preparing for Christmas dinner, and I'm staying with my mom, about an hour from the hospital.

I will get to drive home to Houston this Christmas Eve and be there for the great Christmas gift 'reveal' and it looks like the weather will allow it..the snow didn't quite make it along the I45 corridor. What a gift from God for me! I will drive straight back to Denton after the dinner. Then Nancy will go home to spend Christmas day evening and the next couple of days with her family. Perhaps we will get dad home to his house by then. The Lord knows for sure.

The halls of the oncology floor are ringing with Christmas carols being sung by the staff. I opened the door so daddy could listen...and thank goodness, he couldn't see me crying. It was so sweet...but sad too. It wasn't where we planned to be for the holidays...but we are celebrating because of the giving hearts of so many...

Merry Christmas and the Lord be with you however and where ever you may be celebrating today.

Yes Virginia...it really did snow in Houston!

2009-12-16T15:31:00.000-06:00

For the second time in our personal history in Houston...it snowed..for real!! I happened to have Christmas music playing while I was sewing for the Christmas craft show. Tim called from Denton where it WASN'T snowing to tell me.

Within 30 minutes, this is what it looked like in our front yard! It didn't stick but it was still awesome!

Poor kids--they were in Denton too at a tournament and missed it. But they did get to play in the snow here last Christmas. Wow..we could get used to this!

Christian's concert video

2009-12-15T17:38:00.000-06:00

Christian doesn't care for this video, because the band had such a hard time getting started, but remember it was only their second time to actually play 'as a group'. It gets better as it goes!

Christian's Christmas Band Concert

2009-12-15T12:54:00.000-06:00

Christian's first band concert..

plays the trumpet.

He has been performing in the intermediate band and had two concerts with the Instruments of Praise this week.

He played at a nursing home on Friday morning and at a church in Houston on Monday evening.

The band sounds pretty rough, partly because too many of the kids don't practice as they should and partly because they only practice as a group once before the concert.

There are five different bands in five different locations and they only gather as a group and play once. It makes it very difficult for them to keep in time with each other.

Christian did well, regardless. He's the best trumpeter in the intermediate band. Mr. Sommers does an excellent job working with so many kids in so many different locations.

We are really proud of Christian, of course!

Elisabeth, Rebekah, and Jacob all came too. It was a special evening for our family!

Lena Plays in the Leaves

2009-12-05T20:04:00.000-06:00

Cute Pictures of Lena...

2009-12-05T19:59:00.000-06:00

Most of these pictures, except the one of Debbie were taken by Andrew and Ebeth

They were just too cute not to pass on but if you want to see more, check out their family blog... www.rodgersfamilie.blogspot.com. (I took this one on the couch in her stars jumper.)

She is sooooo cute!!!

Summertime and the living is........ FUN... with grandkids!!

2009-12-03T22:38:00.000-06:00

You're right...it's fall not summer...but see if this post won't remind you of what it was like just a few short weeks ago..when it was really really hot!

Tim, the kids, and I had two great visits this summer with Amanda and the grandkids. Matthew was able to come down for Rebekah's graduation but most of the time, he was in Russian language school in Texas, so Amanda was on her own for a few months before they packed up and moved to North Carolina. She visited her parents in Sugar Land and her grandmother in Huntsville too.

Amanda and I got to celebrate Mother's Day together this year. It seems like only a few years ago, that I was struck with amazement at having all these little babies around and now I'm amazed that we have all these grandbabies! One minute you are a mom and the next...a mom-in-law...times 2!

In May, right after graduation, we realized that it was Colin's birthday and since I had been rather busy with the graduation, I forgot all about getting stuff to celebrate his birthday. I was busily sewing his gift but had not thought about having cake and candles ready. (I learned how to make an allergen free birthday cake this May!)

Necessity is the mother of invention though and here you can see that Colin, now three is quite happy with our 'impromptu' patriotic birthday. (We borrowed Rebekah's graduation party decorations which were 'Texan' in theme.) Since Colin is the proud son of a Marine, this seemed an appropriate theme for his little party! I sewed him the cutest cowboy costume and got him a hat, but I can't find the pix to post at the moment.

Summertime is a great time for birthdays..but also for swimming and for watermelon. The boys, it turned out, love watermelon and here...you can see why! Ride 'em cowboy! Silly me..and I thought you were supposed to eat them!

Brennan, I'm afraid this is one toy you won't be taking home with you!

One nice thing about being at Grandma's is that their Aunt Rebekah and Uncles' Jacob and Christian are here to play with them when everyone else is tired out!

Jacob took good care of Brennan while Amanda and Christian entertained Colin when we went to Candy Cane Park one afternoon.

Amanda stayed with us a couple of weeks over the summer all told. We went to the park, 'swam' in our jacuzzi, and Tim gave the boys rides on the riding lawnmower.

However, sometimes the most entertaining part of the visit was just eating lunch!

Colin thought lunchtime was a lot of fun too...especially if Grandma had the camera..which of course I did!!

And after lunch, we all watched Winnie the Pooh until Brenan fell asleep. And sometimes Grandpa would read Colin a story from the same book that Grandpa, Daddy, and Uncle Jacob all loved...Richard Scary's Best Storybook ever!

There's nothing quite like a summer with grandbabies!

Thanksgiving Day

2009-11-26T15:55:00.000-06:00

I'm so glad we take a special day each year to thank the Lord for all he has done for us. We don't do that often enough! We always have plenty to be thankful for! We had a great Thanksgiving celebration although we were disappointed that Nanamom, Heather, and George could not join us. We actually celebrated a day early so Rebekah could spend the whole day with us. She is working this evening, even though it is Thanksgiving today.

Andrew and Elisabeth came over with Lena and that made the holiday a lot of fun. We had dinner about 4pm after Andrew got off work. I put the turkey in at 7am which was an hour later than I usually do, and had just dropped off to sleep again when the phone rang. It was Matthew! He put me on the speaker phone and I talked to him and Amanda. I also chatted a little bit with Colin. He's growing up so fast! It was good to visit with them via the phone.

Elisabeth brought the sweet potato casserole and Rebekah made the green bean casserole. The boys did a lot of the miscellaneous chores and dishwashing which made it a lot more of a holiday for me. Everyone enjoyed the dinner but no one enjoyed it quite as much as Lena when she got her first taste of stuffing. It was so funny! If she doesn't like something she's being fed, she doesn't make a sound. She just purses those lips tightly together and won't let the spoon in. If she likes it, she opens her mouth as wide as is humanly possible! She is just getting to eat bits of people food now and when she first tasted stuffing today, she actually made mmm-mmm! sounds! She did it over and over again and we all just about died with laughter. She could not get enough!

After dinner, we went for a long walk and Rebekah rode Tex. That's not as 'leisurely' as it might sound--Riding Tex is hard on the leg muscles. Plus, he always wants to go home after about five minutes. Sometimes he balks at things in the road, and then she just pulls his head to one side and makes him ride in circles which is a form of discipline. She actually rode him bareback and without the bit, but he pretty obedient in spite of that. He does spook a little along the trail, but this is probably the fifth time she's taken him down the rode and he's getting used to all the sights and sounds along the way.

Lena looked so cute in her little pink coat and loved the walk. She kicked her little feet in the stroller all the way to the mailboxes and back. That's about a mile by the way. The weather is cool but I was pretty warm by the time we got home. We opened the windows to cool off and then had pie. We had pecan, apple crumble and mince. Too bad nobody but me likes mince pie...I always have to eat it all by myself! Of course, it takes me about a week to finish, but it sure tastes lovely!

We watched the new remake of Godzilla afterwards. At first I thought it was going to be some awful gory show, and in a way it was...but the cliff hangers came one after the other and finally I quit worrying about whether or not anyone was going to get hurt or not. It was a very well done remake and actually made the story seem plausible...it had a 1920's 'flapper' feel to it that made me think of Sky Captain but it was also pretty funny in a way--it was pretty sci-fi. There were a couple of really graphic violent scenes which the boys warned me about. (Ok...what sense does that make...my kids screening movies for ME? Oh.. mom...you better skip that scene..it'll be too much for you! Right.) I'm glad to know the boys are looking out for me. :o)

Lena was getting tired pretty early and since Andrew and Ebeth have been visiting quite a bit and still had several days of visiting to go, they decided to get her home before the movie was over. They are coming back on Sat. evening and then we will have a big bonfire...there's always a need to burn something around here!

Rebekah was nursing a cold and had to work the next day, so she went to bed early. Tim and the boys played another group adventure game on the computer...and I blogged a bit about the perfect Thanksgiving dinner on my homemaking blog. Perfect means...easy, delicious, and not something you eat every day leaving time for visiting and playing with the grandchildren ( I have a blog with lots of homemaking how to's and good advice for new homemakers. 0

All in all, it was a great Thanksgiving Day!

Double Date with Andrew and Ebeth (and Lena)

2009-11-18T18:46:00.000-06:00

Elisabeth called and asked if we would like to go out on a 'date' with them. We said, "Sure!" Ahh the rewards of staying at home with your kids. Some day, they grow up to be your companions on a double date!

Tim and I agreed we had the nicest time.We can't think of anyone we'd rather be on a double date with than one of our own kids and his spouse.

Of course Lena came along too! She socialized with all the neighboring babies. We all had a great time. Now if only Matthew and Amanda were here...we could have a triple date!

Busy Days

2009-11-13T01:58:00.001-06:00

This week will be a busy one for me and the kids. While Christian is busy doing school and band practice and when he doesn't need me, I will hopefully get all the laundry put away that we have washed over the last week. It's been 'collecting' to say the least!

Then I'll have a little more fun (if it's sewing related--it's fun!) because I'll be cutting yards and yards of fabric and separating it into 'packets' for my church friends and daughters to sew into nativity costumes.

I've already made seven butcher paper copies of the child's size of patterns and will also have to do that for the adult size.Tim headed off to Houston to meet a client and I forgot to

buy more butcher paper, so I won't get to do that till he gets home. Then I'll be dividing them up into 'packets'

for Kristy to pass out at church. She wants to have a live nativity in December in her neighborhood, but needed my 'expertise' to plan out the making of 18 costumes or more.

We've already spent quite a bit of time planning and shopping, and I hope to finish up my part of the project today.

In the meantime, Rebekah and Jacob are driving to Brenham to participate in "mock trial' practice.

Jacob was chosen to play the part of a Cajun witness. He's working on an accent at the moment. He's a ham and will enjoy being a less than cooperative witness.

He will be filling in for two parts today and tomorrow for members who can't be there. Rebekah graciously agreed to drive him up and back (4 hour round trip!).

Last Saturday, I spent several hours with friends learning how to make your own greeting cards. Nov. isn't the best time, but I managed to squeeze out the extra time. It was a lot of fun.

Tonight, we will all drive to Tomball for our monthly square dance held by our club the Grand Squares. Jacob is vice-president.

He and Rebekah just love it. Our whole family has graduated and can dance at any club we like. I wonder if I could squeeze in adding the ruffle to my purple square dance skirt?! That may be pushing the schedule a wee bit!

We also had another couple of exciting moments this week.

Christian started posting photographs of his favorite pictures at www.mipixx.blogspot.com

and I wrote a new song and posted it to youtube. It's at www.youtube.com/donnacrodgers.

You just never know what will be going on around here next!

Dog Tired!

2009-11-09T12:36:00.001-06:00

Hey Mom...Look what we caught!

2009-11-09T12:21:00.000-06:00

This frog has been living in our pond for a year. He was quietly minding his own business, and then swoosh...he was caught and had to suffer all kinds of indignities! Poor frog. Ok, put him back now...Andrew. Yes, he is beautiful...but I'm not kissing him! Percy jumped over this rattlesnake. He did not survive his encounter with Tim. Boy was he shaking that tail. It gave me the willies just to see him hissing at us!

SEG Society for Exploration Geophysicists

2009-11-09T12:06:00.000-06:00

Tim, Matt, Mike, and President, Dan Herold.

Robin Herold, Dan's wife is queen of the booth!

2009 SEG Oil Convention .....wow! front row spot! Tim and Dan visit with client. I got to go too! Fun!

Horse Talk

2009-11-04T08:32:00.000-06:00

Meet Rebekah's first horse....Texas Ranger or 'Tex' for short Love... Patience... Percy...anxious... Caring.... Jealous... Hungry! Stubborn! Happiness... Affection... Sheer bliss... Contentment...

Happy Birthday Christian!

2009-11-03T11:38:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday to you... Happy 15th! Sure hope you can blow those trick candles out this time!

Family Camping Trip with Andrew, Ebeth, Lena

2009-11-02T10:57:00.000-06:00

Anyone recognize these kids?

2009-11-02T00:35:00.001-06:00

Location: Our family's favorite campsite No.9 near Lufkin in 1995
...at Boykin Springs Recreation Area...the same campsite that we camped at just a couple of months ago in October 2009 for Andrew's birthday...in the pictures above but . Rebekah was 7 , Andrew was 9, Jacob was 5, Christian was 3, and Matthew was 11. My, how time flies!!

Rebekah's Big day (in May!)

2009-11-01T23:59:00.000-06:00

Getting ready for Graduation.... Graduation Practice...moving the tassles Oh...I can't believe this is finally happenening! Baccalaureate service...prayer by friends and family Family at Graduation--Matthew, Christian, Jacob, and Nanamom. Friends at Graduation. Rebekah's first and best friend, Hannah Zieschang is here! (And my dear friend, Mary.) Emily Singleton, Laura Strack and mom Teresa are here. Rebekah reads scripture for her class. Rebekah receives her diploma from us. Rebekah, Jacob, and friend, Laura Strack. Rebekah's display. Andrew visits with Rebekah afterwards. Lena was asleep...but she was there too, with Mommy, Elisabeth. Tim visits with Mary...we're so glad she could come. Rebekah with good friend Sarah Straka. Rebekah and Matthew Matthew, Amanda and Brenon. Uncle Andrew with Colin. Daughters-in-law visit too. Mom, Rebekah, and Peggy Woody. Rebekah visits with friend, Alex Singleton. His sister, Emily, was there too. Their mom, Sara, helped organize the graduation. After the graduation, our church had a reception for our graduates. Here the deacons, including Tim, and Pastor Ted pray for them. Our GCC graduates, Rebekah, Brittany, Lisa, and David. Nanamom gets a hug from Brenon. Andrew, Ebeth, and Lena. Amanda and Colin....hmm, should I eat... or not?

A Day with Lena at Grandma's house

2009-11-01T22:50:00.001-06:00

On Tuesdays, I babysit Lena, while Elisabeth goes to class. I finally took a minute to get some pictures and share them with you. Isn't she a doll?!! I love having her over. It took me several weeks to finally quit playing on Tuesdays and make the kids do school!! (They wanted to play with her too.) Christian is easily distracted, but he's doing better here. Of course Lena knows she can get his attention anytime she wants! Here's how it works. Christian has a question. I sit down by Christian with Lena in my lap.Lena sees the school book and thinks, "What fun!" But Grandma has done this before and finds something handy nearby to distract her.

Moonstones...Won!

2009-11-01T22:50:00.000-06:00

I'm so pleased that Andrew Reith and I's collaborative entry won an award at our GCC art show. I made a fabric version of his 8 x 11" watercolor painting and called it Moonstones. I would have been happy whether it won or not, but ...it's so thrilling and rewarding to get a 'crazy' idea and be afraid you are going to make a mess...but have a hunch it's going to turn out wonderful...and then it does! My artsy friends' praise was plenty enough for me, but I'm really pleased that the judges liked it that much too. I feel so so satisfied by how it turned out. (As long as I don't look to close--eep! Flaws everywhere!!) I'm getting braver and braver to try the new...hmm...I wonder what I'll try next year. (Of course I already have some ideas!!) Andrew's painting was just beautiful...I love his colors, designs, and especially his little fish creatures and their adorable eyes. I know most of my family don't know where my project blog is, so I thought I'd post this. My project blog (mostly sewing), is www.donnacarolscreations.blogspot.com Someday, I may actually feel brave enough to call myself an artist. By God's grace, I've won twice now...but I guess my skull is pretty thick. Last year's entry, which also won, is below.

Old Pictures

2009-10-24T11:31:00.001-05:00

We celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary this past July 17th. I've started scanning old photos since the originals are all we have. I'd hate to have them get damaged. These were too sweet not to share! My hubby is just as cute as ever! We had been camping all week on our honeymoon, in the picture below.

2009-10-21T10:53:00.000-05:00

Meet Rebekah's New Horse....Tex! Finally, after many years, Rebekah's dream has come true. She just purchased Tex from a neighbor. He is 11 yrs. old and 16 hands tall. He was a 'school' horse and is very good natured. Even though he has been trained for western riding, she says he is very quick to learn and responsive. Riding bareback, he seemed to respond very quickly to leg reining cues. She has been saving her money from working for Bed, Bath and Biscuit, a dog boarding place in Willis, and was able to buy her first horse this week.

Abide in Me played by Christian Rodgers

2009-08-03T13:19:00.000-05:00

Christian plays Abide in Me on the trumpet. He's been playing six months.

We're Going to Nationals!!

2009-05-06T16:04:00.001-05:00

Jacob and his partner, Zach Harris, made ninth place out of 55 teams at the NCFCA Regional Invitational speech and debate tournament. Rebekah is so glad---because that means we will all be going to the national tournament in South Carolina on June 15th! Great job kids!! Thank you Mrs. Stevens for being such a great coach! Great job Logos Club! PS. Christian won an award for being such a faithful timer--good job Christian! L is for LOGOS! Happy debaters at a late night party at Laurie and Debbie's hotel room. Brave moms for inviting the whole club to their room at 1:30am! See picture below. 2:00am in the hotel room with many Logos club members at the Regional Invitational tournament in Arlington, Tx. this last week celebrating a great tournament. Bring on the PIZZA! Rebekah had a very popular speech about a young cockroach girl named Josefina, who is receiving suitors for her hand in marriage. She did not break to semi-finals with her humorous speech at the Regional tournament although she had won to semi-finals in two previous tournaments. Jacob broke to semi-finals with his persuasive speech, but he will not get to compete at the national tournament with it. He made third place in the finals round at last month's tournament. Am I a proud mother? Of course I am! And a little teary eyed in this picture. Great job kids! Jacob and Zach discuss their case on Free Trade with Mr. Remke who gives an economic seminar to the club shortly afterwards. Jacob will be flying to New York with several debate friends to attend a week long seminar on Economics from May 25-29th. You can imagine how excited he is about that! Rebekah talks to Laura and Emily before the seminar. Laura is also going to New York. Christian gives the second affirmative constructive speech, while his partner, Julia Rosenberger flows his speech in the background. Christian asks cross examination questions of Evan Stevens.

Beach Visits

2009-04-24T15:57:00.000-05:00

In between trips this February, Tim took the family for a day at the beach in Galveston. Rebekah and I decided that would be a great way to spend her spring break... So in March, I took her to Corpus Christi for a week. We had a very 'girly' vacation! Swimming, shopping, movies , getting our nails done, lattes, sunbathing, and eating out. It was a perfect reward for all of Rebekah's hard work and mom's too! Dolphins near our boat at Corpus Christi. This picture was taken on a paddleboat tour of the bay. Here Rebekah is attempting to attract dolphins to pet. We took another tour with a group called "Dolphin Connection". The dolphins played and teased us, just following along side our little boat. It was amazing to see how friendly and playful they were. Rebekah feeding the seagulls on her senior trip to Corpus Christi this March. Rebekah was determined to get in the surf. We swam three days...the first day it took 20 minutes for me to get all the way in. The next day I heard the water was warmer---65! Brrr!

A Day at Grandma and Grandpa's

2009-04-21T09:01:00.001-05:00

Donna with Colin and Brennan. It's the first time I've ever gotten to hold Brennon! He's just over a year old in this picture. Daughter-in-law Amanda, holding Elisabeth and Andrew's first baby Lena. The girls got to know each other better over facebook. Neat! Grandpa Tim takes Amanda and Matthew's first little boy, Colin, on a lawn mower ride. He will celebrate his third birthday at our house on May 18th! Baby Lena, only a little over two months old, needed a nap. What a precious moment, just getting to sit and watch her and make sure nothing disturbed her sleep. My dear sweet daughter-in-laws, Elisabeth and Amanda Rodgers. Amanda is holding Elisabeth's little girl, Lena. Uncle Christian, our baby, who is now 14, is showing nephew Colin how to work his matchbox race track. Like father and Grandma & Grandpa...like sons. Tim and I, and Rebekah and Christian, all play the piano, as does Matthew. So of course, my grandsons made a beeline for it as soon as they could. Aren't they cute? Colin so makes me think of Jacob, who was convinced he could ride anything that had a key. Thank goodness, Colin didn't have a key. :o) He's ready to roll though! Of course, no day at Grandma's is complete without meeting her chickens. Actually, these are Aunt Heather's chickens which I am babysitting indefinitely. Her house burned down at Christmas and she didn't have time to drive back and forth to the homestead to care for them. Brennan and Colin weren't a 100% sure they wanted to pet a chicken even if it was covered in fur! Getting to know the grandbabies again! Amanda with her 1yr old, Brennan. These guys aren't afraid of the camera are they? Watch out Matthew! You may have a 'budding' country boy on your hands!

Percy Sings with Christian's trumpet

2009-04-21T01:55:00.000-05:00

Percy, Rebekah's puppy, loves to howl. If all of the family gathers around and howls (like pretend wolves), he will put his little snout up in the air and howl his little heart out. When Christian began to play the trumpet, we discovered that Percy especially loved to sing with him. We thought maybe it hurt his ears, but we don't think so now. If Christian is in the back of the house when he starts to play, Percy will hunt him down and go join him. Enjoy! Here is a picture of Christian taking his first trumpet lesson. Thanks to Klaus, he already knew quite a bit and had practiced 'buzzing'. He was so excited to be able to play music after only a couple of lessons!

And Another New Grandchild!

2009-04-04T11:51:00.001-05:00

Welcome Baby Lena Marie Rodgers! Born February 5th at around 9:45a.m She weighed 7lb.4oz and was 20" long. (More pictures to come!) Beautiful mommy, Elisabeth Marie Rodgers, and her daughter, Lena Marie.... like Mommy like daughter! Can you tell Lena adores her mommy??And proud Daddy Andrew--- I guess that's obvious-Ha! And I'm sure you can tell that I am a thrilled and very happy Grandma! Aunt Rebekah stole my grandbaby...but I can't blame her! I guess we can share. :o)

A New Grandchild has arrived!!

2008-12-12T13:48:00.000-06:00

Here are the long overdue pictures of our newest grandchild, Brenon Matthew Rodgers, who was born Feb.11. Isn't he beautiful?! He was probably at least a couple of months old in this picture. I'm thinking this was about 3-4 months old. This must be a winter picture considering they are in California right now. Colin looks like he is having a fun time. Amanda takes great pictures doesn't she? This is probably a picture from this summer. They look so sweet together!

Bridal Luncheon

2008-03-31T23:27:00.000-05:00

My dear friends Tammy Guthrie and Terri Smith and their girls, Sarah, Lauren, Greer, Margo and Cameron cooked and served the bridal luncheon...all I got to do was shop! Thanks so much ladies!! Here are some pictures from the bridal luncheon I organized for Elisabeth. In this one, my daughter Rebekah is holding little Elisabeth Robison, and Elisabeth Weber, Andrew's fiancee is holding Rebekah Robison, her flower girl. So you are seeing Big Rebekah with Little Elisabeth and Big Elisabeth holding Little Rebekah...if you follow me~

Andrew and Elisabeth are married!

2008-03-31T23:21:00.001-05:00

Thanks to my dear friend, Shannon Robison, now I have some pictures to share on my blog! Enjoy! Isn't she a great photographer? I think she captured the spirit and joy of this day perfectly! The wedding was absolutely beautiful! Tim and I took Elisabeth and Andrew to the airport at 4am Monday morning along with her brother, Johannnes, who is off to Vancouver. They were so excited...and so cute with all their backpacks and bags. Johannes took a picture of them for me, but he will have to send it to us later. We had a little time before they needed to go to the gate, so we had coffee together and had a nice little visit. They are off to Cancun and tropical paradise! We will get to see them open presents when they get home on Sunday evening. I haven't had a minute to post anything on my blog, but now that the wedding is over I should be able to do so.

Andrew with his favorite little girl..Rebekah

2008-03-31T23:16:00.000-05:00

Rebekah with Elisabeth Robison..a new sister!

2008-03-31T23:15:00.000-05:00

Tim with Rebekah Robison..they are very good friends!

2008-03-31T23:14:00.001-05:00

Rebekah, a bridesmaid, with her favorite little sister Rebekah

2008-03-31T23:13:00.003-05:00

Elisabeth Weber with her flower girl, Rebekah

2008-03-31T23:12:00.001-05:00

Rebekah with little Rebekah Robison the flower girl

2008-03-31T23:11:00.001-05:00

Andrew with dear friend Ray Robison and Elisabeth

2008-03-31T23:09:00.001-05:00

Andrew and Elisabeth are married!

2008-03-25T09:46:00.000-05:00

Since writing this, I have gotten some pictures developed. Shannon sent me the wedding pictures on the later posts. This picture of Rebekah, Elisabeth, Me, and Elisabeth's best friend Rachel was taken by a friend at a Bridal Luncheon that my friends Terri, and Tammy (and I ) put together for Ebeth. Rachel was a maid of honor at the wedding. We got to be really good friends when we all went shopping for bridesmaids dresses, along with Terah . (Rebekah was at a debate meeting.) We also had a fun evening making wedding candy favors , bags and white chocolate roses on lollipop sticks. Elisabeth played a German musical and translated it for me while we worked. It was beautiful. Peggy Woody helped put the roses together...Rebekah and I and Ebeth, and Kim Spendlove made more later and even poor Christian and Jacob got roped into working roses! Our friends, Peggy, Ruth, Sarah, Molly,Valerie, Stephanie, Lisa, Becca, and Kim all made bunches of candies in molds to give as favors. Carrie Ray gave me the idea and it really helped us do favors much less expensively and they were so pretty too!

Elisabeth's Dad and brother, Johannes came to visit and attend the wedding. We had a great Texas cookout with a bunch of steaks we grilled. Johannes really really likes steaks so he took lots of pictures of them and of me grilling them. But I don't have them yet. Here he and Klaus , Elisabeth's father, are waiting and visiting with Elisabeth and our family while the steaks were grilling. I think Andrew was taking pictures. Klaus liked my chickens, whom I called to come meet him. They waddled up to us as fast as they could go and he also like Percy, Rebekah's dog who is very friendly!I'm not sure why Christian isn't smiling... but it was a wonderful day for grilling..perfect spring weather and beautiful flowers and birds everywhere. We had a great visit with Ebeth's family. Tim's parents are coming to meet her in April since they couldn't come to the wedding due to Tim's grandmother passing away in March. Elisabeth's mother is also coming in April and we look forward to meeting her too. In the evening, Klaus and Johannes played the piano...they are incredible musicians and Klaus also sings in a choir. Johannes has published a CD and they are playing the whole wedding march for the wedding. Ebeth wanted me to play and sing 'Texas' songs on the guitar for her family, so I played the Streets of Laredo, Yellow Rose of Texas, and the Wabash Cannonball, plus Deep in the Heart of Texas. They thought our songs were really neat (and funny too I'm sure!) We look forward to seeing Klaus and Johannes again some day soon.

Love,
Donna

Home for the Holidays!

2007-12-05T08:09:00.000-06:00

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving! Matthew and Amanda came home to Texas for an extended leave of 45 days. Colin has grown so much and is so sweet and cute! He learned to walk really well during his stay and loves to explore all over the place...especially outside. Matthew got to our house in time for his birthday and to help celebrate all of our kids' birthdays (four in the month of October.) He and Amanda also went to the Renaissance festival which is held nearby and I got to babysit Colin the whole day. We had a really fun and special time with him. They spent quite a bit of time at Amanda's parents' home in Sugar land and also at her grandparents' home in Huntsville. But they did come to our house for Thanksgiving. We also had Elisabeth Weber/Seago, Andrew's fiance and my mom, sister, Heather, and her husband. It was quite a bigger crowd at our house than usual!! It seems so strange to have so many adult children at the table and a baby and spouses and siblings and a mom and all of my younger children as tall as me or taller... I have to say I felt a little old! or at least I should have...in fact it just seemed surreal. I don't feel older! Ha! Big news!! Amanda is due to have another baby boy around January 15th. She is doing pretty well but a little tired. Of course living out of suitcases for that long with a baby in tow would make anybody tired, even if they weren't pregnant! They have named their new baby-to-be Brennon Malachi. They have moved to California now, while Matthew attends language school. He signed up for a second term but this time as a Russian translator. We are so proud of him and his progress in the military. Mom, Heather(my sister), and George (her husband) also came for Thanksgiving and we had a great visit with them as well. Talk about a full house for Thanksgiving! It was really REALLY special! Since Heather works at the Renaissance festival which is just west of Willis, we get to see both her and mom a lot more often. When Heather gets tired of camping out at the festival..or hungry...or just too cold..she knows she is always welcome at our house. This Thanksgiving turned out to be quite a family reunion! God is so good. :o)

Andrew and Elisabeth are engaged!

2007-12-05T07:48:00.000-06:00

Andrew and Elisabeth are engaged to be married on April 20th. They have been in a courtship process with the Seagos and our family for the last year or so. Elisabeth is from Germany and has been living with the Seago family for the last 2 years. Her birth family, the Webers, will be coming from Germany to attend the wedding next spring. Andrew and Elisabeth are both attending Montgomery County Junior College. Andrew is majoring in business management and Elisabeth is majoring in nutrition and health. Andrew is working almost full time as a bank teller and part time in sales. He should be full time at the bank soon. Bank of America reimburses him for all of his tuition and books and he is also getting Pell grants which is very helpful. He is attending mostly online classes right now. Elisabeth works part time for the college at their library. She is on a student visa and has to attend full time school in order to retain it. Elisabeth is a very sweet and intelligent girl and one who loves the Lord very much. We have gotten to be very good friends over the last two years. She is also hardworking and thrifty too. She has even convinced Andrew to hit the thrift stores for bargains! She loves to buy party dresses and make them over for cute and very 'art-sy' church dresses or even for every day. She is very creative and artistic. Rebekah and I really enjoyed helping her make her own engagement announcements. We don't know her family well, but we do know her father is a doctor and her brothers and father are very good musicians. In fact they will be playing at the wedding. Her father will be staying with us while he is here and we hope to get to know him better during that time. She has sisters too...in fact I can't remember how many siblings she has but she loves her family and is very close to them. She also has been unofficially 'adopted' by her American family, the Seagos. Ted Seago is our pastor and Johnnie and he have been like second parents to Elisabeth. They are all very close knit and have been helping Elisabeth with a lot of her wedding plans. I get to help too though and am really enjoying all of the preparations. We hope that everyone can make it to the wedding so you can meet our new daughter-in-law to be!

"A Happy Meal!" but it's not from McDonalds!

2007-05-17T10:07:00.000-05:00

You will find, as your children get older, that each one has a special dream. Jacob's is to hunt. He has finished his hunting safety course, and has his own gun now, and he's studying very hard, but the real question was...could he really do it..or would he be afraid to take the life of an animal to put food on the table? He doesn't want to get 'the big buck' with lots of points, but he has a strong desire to be a 'hunter/provider". ( Is his last name "Pearl"?) So how does a mom help make a dream like this come true? Well, she says YES when he asks her to 'please buy one meat chick". And she helps him scald and pluck and clean and fry it when it's time to do so. I wasn't sure we would have the courage to dispatch a live chicken we had raised, but unfortunately, meat chickies (rock cornish hens) are bred to grow fast and will die of a heart attack if you don't process them by a certain age. Last week, after much searching on the internet for how to do this humanely and correctly, Tim, Jacob, and I took the plunge and dispatched "Mrs. Happy". She was not happy at the time as the weather was getting hot and she was miserable due to her huge size. I have to say God prepared me for this, because my daddy was an urbanite who wished he was a farmer. So I had already helped dispatch and pluck many and many a chicken. I don't like it..but I can do it. We entered the 'pioneer' era of Little House on the Prairie...and processed our first meat chicken. Tim and I were very proud of Jacob that he handled the situation with fortitude and no squeamishness. It wasn't easy, but he took a little step into manhood in bearing up and doing what needed to be done. Mrs. Happy is in heaven now(if chickens go to heaven), but we all enjoyed the gift she gave us. (Except Andrew who is our 'nurturer' and to whom every animal is a pet.--he had mashed potatos and gravy for dinner.) Next time we will buy five white chickens and nobody is going to name them!! Tim feels confident that Jacob will be able to help him take care of processing other animals once he begins to hunt. He will only be allowed to hunt for the purpose of bringing in food...but we know he will be able to handle the work required. We will certainly have to 'cull' some of our flock later on as we can't feed 35 chickens who aren't laying eggs, and I know I will be able to count on our little man to take care of it for me. What a guy! (I should think raising girls would be so much simpler! Sigh...) PS. Yes, the chicken tasted delicious!

Graduation is Here!

2007-05-16T15:11:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally finished Elisabeth and Andrew's graduation cake for their party on Saturday. I can't believe I have another baby finished with homeschooling!!! I taught Elisabeth how to ice and decorate a cake with the Wilton method and she picked it up really fast. She did the stars and the squiggles on the top cake (her idea) and the side and back border. You make squiggles with a cake comb and I had had it for years but hadn't used it in a very long time. This is a two layer 11 x 15 cake with a two layer 9 x 13 cake on top. It's the first time I ever used dowels rods and a second cake board. Rebekah made the graduation cap and braided gold embroidery thread to put on cap. I baked a base for the grad cap of chocolate cake in a large custard cup. We had a really fun time deciding how to put this together.

My Baby and My Grandbaby

2007-05-04T10:21:00.000-05:00

photo taken by Amanda Rodgers (daughter-in-law)

Good Morning!

2007-05-03T06:22:00.000-05:00

Crochet

2007-05-03T05:59:00.000-05:00

Peggy brought this sample of her crocheting to the girl's class. Beautiful!

Daddy's Girl

2007-04-23T11:23:00.000-05:00

Chores

2007-04-20T11:18:00.000-05:00

Rooster Sillouette

2007-04-18T16:11:00.000-05:00

Getting Ready

2007-04-17T17:54:00.000-05:00

Laughing

2007-04-16T00:49:00.000-05:00

Company

2007-04-16T00:34:00.001-05:00

Catch!

2007-04-16T00:14:00.000-05:00

Jacob loves taking pictures and caught Christian ready to shoot.

Folk Dancers

2007-04-12T23:49:00.000-05:00

We went to the Cold Spring Texas today to file our homestead exemption and decided to make a day of it. We went to the county court house and made copies of the old original surveys of our property and the surrounding area. They go back a hundred years! Then we toured all of the little antique shops around the square. That's where I found this delightful antique figurine of children folk dancing. They fit right in with my other antiques.

Visit to Local Cemetery

2007-04-12T23:37:00.000-05:00

This cemetery is about a mile and a half from our house and it's filled Walker family members. We were told by Mrs. Trapp, a local artist and historian, that one of the Walker men buried his arm in a plot that he planned to use when he died and he even marked it with a grave stone. Unfortunately, by the time he got around to dying, another relative had used the spot! So part of him is buried in one plot...and the rest in another! We hunted all over that cemetery when we got home but couldn't find the marker she mentioned. However, we did find some unusual grave stone markers. Nothing like a cemetery for local history..I always say!

Did you say twenty-five???

2007-04-12T01:33:00.000-05:00

Building the Office

2007-04-12T01:09:00.000-05:00

Raising the Last Wall

2007-04-12T01:07:00.000-05:00

Sleeping in the Hayloft

2007-04-12T01:02:00.001-05:00

Bonfire at Night

2007-04-12T00:57:00.000-05:00

Summer Fun

2007-04-11T14:20:00.000-05:00

Rebecca Robison and her siblings spent the weekend with us last summer...and she and my son Christian had a great time on our tire swing!

Fresh Eggs

2007-04-11T14:17:00.000-05:00

This was my very first dozen eggs from my very first chickens...minus an egg from Henny-Penny...her eggs are 'half-penny' size since she is a bantam. :o)

Colin Rodgers

2007-04-11T12:40:00.000-05:00

Like Me...a poem

2007-04-11T12:38:00.000-05:00

A squirming babe lies in my arms, with adoring eyes so quick to charm. Chubby cheeks, a precious pout, capricious curls, legs..short..and stout. She's a miracle in every way, like a flower blooming day by day. A gift from God, yet just a loan, since a baby's soul..one cannot own. Though I teach and train, so carefully I find, instead, she's watching me! How much like Jesus I must be, if a godly child I hope to see. As our days wing by in rapid flight, I pray for God's grace to be... a living light..a beacon bright... for a child who'll be ..so much..like me! by Donna C. Rodgers I wrote this poem when my 16 year old daughter, Rebekah, was 3 months old. I believe the Lord gave me this poem. I really felt like it was His assurance to me, that I simply needed to follow Him..and not worry about not being the 'perfect' parent. I felt that He was telling me to trust Him to make my children godly...as long as I followed Him with an obedient heart. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:34