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Thursday, February 17, 2011

Earth Fare



I was so excited to explore our newest grocery here in Montgomery. I love grocery stores. I think it takes me back to my Thursday after school trips to buy groceries with my Mom. One of the few times as a child that I had her all to myself. She also took me to Dipper Dan's, in the Town and Country Plaza, afterwards for a maple caramel ice cream...our secret. That may be where my weight issues come from, now that I think of it:) Earth Fare reminded me of a really fancy Pegna's in downtown Florence (Italy). A lot of the same products as my Italian grocery (German brands) and a lot of gluten free foods that Terry could enjoy. They were offering a free pantry makeover (the picture with the peanut butter, salad dressing, etc.). All of those foods were free. I also had a coupon for a free meal of chicken, potatoes and carrots. This was tonights dinner. Delicious! I cooked the chicken with a cut up lemon inside. My pantry is now ready for this weekends' guest...pears, pecorino and honey for a light lunch and cranberry chutney, English wooden hoop cheese and crackers for a bedtime snack. Maybe the good food will convince her to stay on past Sunday!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Valentine's Day 2011


Heart shaped pancakes and french toast for breakfast Shrimp cocktails, flowers, cards, coupons...contentment at home.
Have I told you lately that I love you?

Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13

Freed-Hardeman Lectureships 2011

 On Wednesday morning, as soon as Terry could teach his morning class, we left for FHU. It was a beautiful drive until we got as far as Tupelo, and then the snow flurries began. By the time we arrived in Selmer it really was snowing heavily. There were a lot of cars which had slid off the roads, and one serious accident about 20 miles from Henderson. We were so grateful when we slid into town safely:) Terry and I stayed at Earl and Lora's, along with our old friends Don and Joyce Shackelford. We enjoyed reminescing about our early years with them in Italy (Joyce was so understanding when I cried over my first attempts at a cake for my 2 year old Brandon's birthday:) The solution was to visit our dear friend, Mario's, bar, for a much better cake than I could have ever come up with on my own. The boys spent the first two nights over at Jon and Kristin's (our old home) and then the last night with their friend, Alex. We enjoyed our tour of the newlyweds home. I thought it might bother me having someone else in "my" home. But all I saw was my son and his wife and how happy they are (and how talented Kristin is at creating a warm, inviting home...well, it's warm now after we had to replace the heating and cooling unit while we were there...OUCH!)Jon had gifted them with a new Ludwig drum set which they have played non stop since coming home. Fortunately, I have it set up out in the cabin along with the piano, guitars, keyboards, etc. I can't imagine why?? It was nice to see old friends and get caught up. I spoke on Thursday morning from Zephaniah 2:3 on Seeking humility. The study benefitted me much more than I could have possibly shared. I was unaware of how often God speaks on humility until I had compiled all the scriptures together. I see humility as a character quality that God esteems highly, and I want to find ways to encourage my family in this quality as we strive to find ways to serve Him and to bring glory to Him. Listening to Dan Winkler on Wednesday night was a real gift. His humility and example of forgiveness is faith building. Even after losing his son, Matthew, at the hand of his daughter-in-law, he has chosen to respond as Christ commands, and not as the world would. He has allowed God to turn tragedy into a powerful message. He never mentions the event, or the subsequent trial and media coverage. He DOES claim bragging rights to his grandchildren, though. I loved sitting and listening to Terry speak on Friday morning.As  I was blessed to hear one good speaker after another, and sit amongst men and women who have lived long lives serving Him, I was so profoundly grateful. To listen as Leon Sanderson, the son of L.O.Sanderson led singing, with men like Earl and Don on either side of me, I had a small glimpse of what heaven will be like. I was encouraged and uplifted. I need to get busy. There is work to be done in His Kingdom. To whom much is given, much is expected. I can't live long enough to do even a fraction of what I owe. Thank God for grace and mercy.

Jonah Darsie


What a whirlwind the past few weeks have been, and how many times  have I  thanked God for the blessings He showers down upon us. Brandon offered to pick the younger boys and I up and drive us to Texas so that I could be with Chelsea at her baby shower. This was amazingly generous of him--but especially thoughtful of Kristin. She selflessly gave up 10 days with her husband and stayed home with a 2 year old...and even called to share with him that she was pregnant:) I was so thrilled to be able to be with Chelsea at the shower. We worshipped together on Sunday and then shared a wonderful meal with Justin's extended family. Monday morning was a beautiful day. It was the day my grandson, Jonah, entered our family. It is bittersweet that one of the happiest days for one, is a sad day for another. But thanks be to God for bringing this child home where he was so eagerly awaited. Because of a snowstorm, we were unable to leave until the following Saturday morning. We enjoyed special days cuddling Jonah and visiting with Chris and April and their sweet babies. Justin's folks came each day...battling snow and ice...I could not be leaving him in better hands. We are all just so amazed at how perfect he is and how it seems as if he has always been here. Grandchildren. Three girls and three boys, and one more on the way. I see Granny Camps in the future...swimming and chasing chickens (I'm wearing him down, slowly but surely:)and sleeping out in the cabin, and playing in Grandma's sewing loft.Blessings!