Niece Musings (choir concert) 05/12/15

Tonight was my niece Emily's last choir concert of junior high. It was 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's themed so the attire was pretty varied. Emily went with the 50's era. After a harried weekend of dress shopping at thrift stores, I think she nailed it.

Mother's Day 2015

Mother's Day 2015

Happy Mother's Day, Mama! I'm grateful to God for you and I love you!

About my mother: This has been a year of health challenges for my mom. On top of her years-long struggle with diabetes and severe neuropathy the last couple months have brought her a couple UTIs ending in hospitalization and most recently a stroke. 

What has stood out for me this entire time, though, has been her obvious love for Jesus. Even when her mind has struggled for clarity, Scripture has never been far from her lips, able to recite passages of Scripture she learned as a child, always aware that Christ will never leave her or forsake her and clinging to that knowledge. She continues to show me every day what it is like to trust in a faithful God. 

Niece Musings 05/10/15

This Sunday two of our nieces showed up at our church (Emily came with me and Carissa came with her grandparents). I had to get a picture of the two tennis-shoe-clad girls in their cute dresses (I think Carissa would have liked to have worn dress shoes but forgot them, but Emily was making a fashion statement). I'm so grateful God has put these two young ladies in our lives, and I pray they grow into young women who seek Him with all their hearts.

(Yep. The 14 year old and the 9 year old are the same height. One is a bit tall for her age, one is not). 

Cookie Baking Night 05/02/15

Tonight was Cookie Baking Night. In attendance this evening: Emily, Carissa, Alli, and Rylar.

Carissa arrived earlier than everyone else, and she was kind enough to help me do a little weeding in the flower garden. 

Tonight we made one of my old "stand by" recipes, Chex Bars. Cereal, nuts, M&Ms, caramel, what's not to love? (And you don't have to turn on the oven).

After everyone was situated for our Bible time tonight, we read from Leading Little Ones to God by Marian Schoolland. We read chapter 8 entitled "God is Everywhere". Emily read Psalm 95:1-6 from the Bible for us. As is often the case, a lively discussion was had around what we learned.

The weather outside was lovely this evening, so we ended our time together with a walk to the local gas station for an ice cream treat. 

As usual, a fun time was had by all. 

Here is the Chex Bar recipe if anyone is interested:

Chex Bars
In large bowl, mix together:
4 cups Chex cereal
1 cup p-nuts
1 eight-ounce bag M&Ms

In medium saucepan cook:
½ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup corn syrup
2 tablespoon flour
Bring to a boil. Boil 1 minute.

Pour caramel mixture over cereal mixture. Mix well. Press into 9x13" pan.
Cool completely. Cut and serve.

Niece Musings 05/01/15

Our niece, Kylie, was in her high school production of Cinderella tonight. Greg, Emily, and I were able to attend it. Kylie did a great job in the play. I was able to get a few pictures of of her in her fancy dress.

Emily and Kylie (cousins and good friends)

We're grateful to God that we have relationships with our nieces and nephews and pray they will grow up into adults who bring much glory to Him. It's a pleasure to be part of that "growing up" experience.