Brooke's birthday

Snow in Magnolia

Celebration

Having returned from OK and Albert recovering, we were blessed with Welch's sparkling grape juice from the Armour's. We are so thankful to the Lord for Doctor Wilson who performed Albert's reversal. We've experienced such peace in turning from our sin and making right what was wrong. At this point, we are not expectant to receive any "blessings" just thankful for God's mercy.

Grand daddy's birthday

We (aunts, uncles, cousins) all got to celebrate together this year here at our home.

Happy Thanksgiving!

and more pics

More pics

Moses and Pharaoh Oct. 31, 2009

The kids love to participate in family plays. This Halloween we decided to make it the deadline for our latest drama. We spent our Saturday, after getting candy, preparing for the play. I was trying to finish the 10 plagues part of the script and Christian got all of the props lined up. Ethan ran around excitedly asking for candy and Kara kept getting different outfits to wear as Nefretiri. We were to perform once Albert got home. We had camera problems because Christian's camcorder does not attach to the tripod. We rigged it with rubberbands.

the wreck

On Wed., Oct. 21 we (me, Christian, Ethan, Kara) were on our way to Steph and Jeremy's house. We were going to watch the babies so they could take Jonathan, Jeremy's dad, out for his birthday. We'll you've heard that most accidents happen within 5 miles of home and that was true for us. We were in the left turn lane about to get onto Woodlands Parkway when a 19 yr. old young man in an F150 plowed into the back of us. I actually saw him about to hit us. There was nothing I could do. Thankfully, we did not plow into the car stopped in front of us. I got out and was shaken knowing the kids were in the back seat. God took care of them. Praise Him. We pulled over and waited for DPS. I called Steph and she came out to be with us. Albert was still in Houston as it was only 4:30pm.

Barrington Farm Home school days

We went to our first home school days out at Washington-on-the Brazos.

Art Fair

The kids are participating in an art fair on Nov. 13. This is part of our co-op with Homewood Christian Association. I've got to get the trifold board and get it in the works.

Pecans, pecan

Steph and I will be travel in a week or so to get the delicious nuts that are falling at the farm. If you are interested, we are selling them $6 a pound. Please email me with your orders so you won't miss out on these great tasting treats.

Membership

We will be official members of Grace Family Baptist Church on Oct. 25. We've waited 10 months to complete the process. We've really enjoyed the learning and the fellowship.

Bible study review

I highly recommend the John study by Anne Graham Lotz. You can check it out at www.annegrahamlotz.com.

More Easter

We were able to worship at First Baptist Mineola. All the family attended and afterwards we ate a meal together at Steph and Jeremy's house. I enjoyed holding Zachary. The kids loved chowing down on all the chocolate candy.

We're back!

Have we been busy! So much going on. Sorry not to keep this updated. Here's some pics from Easter.

The Lord kept us from the flu.

The Lord kept us from the flu! We are so thankful for what He has done and for all your prayers. On Sunday, Mar 01, Kara was really sleepy and lethargic. I thought she was just trying to nap through church. But, may the Lord forgive me for my wayward thinking. Later that night Carrie, our friend and Kara's AWANA leader said she did not feel good, but did not have fever. During dinner her eyes became red and watery beyond her control and all of a sudden she had very high fever. We sought the Lord immediately for healing, comfort and strength. We stayed up through the night keeping her medicated and cool with wet rags. She got up to 104 degrees. By Monday morning she was better with only 100 to 102 degree fever. We kept her resting through the day. By Monday night, Ethan was also feverish. We had a great time Monday night as we moved all the little sicklings into our room so we did not have to run up and down stairs for medication. The Lord was once again good to us through the night as He pulled Ethan through. On Tuesday, Dr. Karr ran tests for strep and flu with negative results. Our family was delivered from those illnesses and the kids are on the road to recovery. Christian is beginning to feel a little weary, but knowing that the Lord has already been merciful gives us the strength to be on watch with him through his illness. Thank you for your prayers during this time. We have had an opportunity to stay together as I took off work. We also had an opportunity to pray and seek God's face. What a God He is to give us an opportunity to go through this together. God is good, all the time. The kids are now enjoying the day off watching movies and resting.

Art Week

The kids are taking an art class in Spring at our new church. It is hosting Barry Stebbing see www.howgreatthouart.com. Today we did paints and color pencil art. It was very educational and the kids had fun. It was also good to improve their listening skills. He invited Kara to join in. She enjoyed the painting time. Christian had lots of fun and he enjoys art. Ethan hung in there with the best of them too. We will be going tomorrow and Wed.

Ya-Ya's Birthday

Maria came over to visit and spend the night. She brought the kids Valentine's gifts. They enjoyed chowing down on the candy! We decided to celebrate her birthday early. We took her to eat pizza at Zinni's. The Kids were so excited to see her and visit. Mom liked catching up with her as well.

Samari swords and Valentine's

We got special packages today from Japan. Daddy sent Christian and Ethan two swords each. Kara received a Valentine card and so did I. It was fun seeing their faces as they opened their gifts. Thanks Honey.

Pottery finds

During our trip to Gruene, I found this awesome pottery shop. Very useful stuff. I got a tortilla warmer, berry bowl, and a pie bird see http://www.piebirds.co.uk/what%20is%20a%20pie%20bird.htm for more on what they are how they are used. Here's the site www.buckpottery.com. So if you are in New Braunfels head over to Gruene and check them out.

Prayers needed

Steph called. She went to the doctor today and found she is 1 cm dilated. She has 10 weeks to go. She is taking a test to see if she will be on bed rest for the remainder time but it is obvious she will. Please pray for peace and for her to trust the Lord and obey the doctors instruction. Please pray that this situation draws her and Jeremy closer to Lord who is near.

Daddy

We talked to Daddy today. He is doing great. He met with the chaplain of the base in Japan and they are working together to get Bibles in the 184 room Navy Lodge. The local Gideons will distribute them in English/Japanese. Praise the Lord! Albert is thankful to be used to witness and help spread God's Word to the military members in Japan. It is great to know his purpose there has eternal implications.
They had a fire there this morning in the Lodge and he knocked on doors to get everyone out. Some tried to cook and caught their food on fire. The kids and I are ready for him to return to us.

Pottery class

tight rope walking

Christian is becoming one brave boy. We were at the park in New Braunfels and he walked across the high beam. Mom was praying because I couldn't scream for fear he'd fall. I kept thinking I don't know where the nearest hospital is....

New Braufels or bust!

The kids and I left Thursday for New Braunfels. Cindy Medema and her daughters Rachelle and Samantha were already there. We looked at the maps and decided to venture to Landa Park the following morning. The kids watched a movie together Thursday night. It was a great sleep over. Cindy and I stayed up late catching up and sharing what the Lord was doing in our lives. It seems we never get a chance to do that very often and so it I will cherish our time. Saturday we traveled the long route to Landa Park because we a little lost. The kids enjoyed playing in the sand and building castles. Kara got her wish to go on a picnic and after lunch the kids play more on the equipment. Cindy had a women's ministry event on Saturday so they headed home. After they left (we wished they could have stayed), we went swimming in the outdoor heated pool. The kids loved the idea of swimming in the winter. It was a treat and I even swam! We watched TV together that evening. On Saturday, we ventured to Gruene pronounced green. Our favorite place was Buck's Pottery. Mommy loved it as much as the kids. The owner showed the kids how to make a bowl using the potter's wheel and gave them clay to play with. He made them whistles in the shape of birds. He was so kind to them. I loved his work because he made useful things. I got a berry bowl, a tortilla holder, and a pie bird used for baking pies. We toured the town. The kids other favorite stores sold fossils. We spent at least 11/2 hrs. in there. Christian got a shell shaped fossil and Ethan got a orthaceras. It was an awesome store. After shopping, we headed down to the riverside. There has been a major drought out west and the river was very low. We enjoyed our stay and are grateful to our friends for inviting us.

visit

Granny and Grandaddy came down for Mr. Mercantel's funeral. We had lunch with them at Panda Express. It was nice seeing them even if for only a short while. We played with Brooke while they went to the funeral. Steph and Jeremy spent the night with us and they headed back Thursday.

Fun Day

We got to see Daddy via the webcam this morning! It was really late at night for him and early morning for us. He has been busy training and preparing for the exercises that begin on Friday. Thursday he has a day off so that they can visit Tokyo. He wants to ride the bullet train. We are taking a road trip on Thursday as well. Off to New Braunfels.
Today we got to spend time with Brooke so that her parents could prepare for the funeral. We then were visited by the Green's for a playdate. It was fun. We love catching up. The kids have grown so much and they didn't even disagree. Kara and Asa gave into temptation to feed Baby Alive food. Warning: Baby Alive food stains. I got most of it out of the carpet :)
After sending the Green's off with waves, we got dressed for the viewing. The flowers were so beautiful and the neatest part was the arrangement his wife made him. It was made out of vegetables!

Wow!

Our regularly scheduled home school week took a dramatic change! Jeremy's Grandpa died Sunday night at 9pm. Steph and Jeremy are headed down here for the viewing and funeral. We will watch Brooke as they take care of everything. Ange called saying she may be able to come down Tuesday or Wed. to support Steph and Jeremy. That means we get to see her and the twins!!! I'm sad about the loss but thankful to see family. Mom and Dad are coming down on Wed. We will definitely be blessed to see everyone this week with Albert being gone.

Our day

We went to church and heard a sermon on Genesis 19:15-29. The verses describe Lot being taken by the hand by the angels, he and his family, before judgment comes to Sodom. Pastor Renfro keyed in on the fact that Lot hesitated. He reminded us that we are reluctant at times to leave behind the world and its stuff. He used the family situation Lot was in and showed how fathers must do a better job than Lot in shepherding their wives and kids.
We stayed for lunch afterwards but I felt out of sorts (trial #2) being the new person not knowing many people and with Albert being gone made me much more sensitive.
This evening Christian shared with me his fears and how he misses his Daddy (trial #3). It was very touching. All I could do was agree with him and pray for him. We snuggled in my chair and he got better. The other two wanted some reassurance too so they took turns coming to see me. Ethan wanted it to be two Fridays tomorrow. Kara planned a picnic for us all to go on when Daddy comes home. I sure cherish those sweeties.

Prayer request

Please keep my sister, Stephanie, and my brother-in-law Jeremy in your prayers. He and his family are losing his grandpa, Jesse Mercantel. On the blog previously, I had lifted him up. He has not had dialysis in 4 days because his heart is too weak. Please pray for salvation and for the family to cope with his death. Stephanie is 7 mos. pregnant and is at home with Brooke who will be 14 mos. on the 9th. They will coming down for the funeral some time this week. Please pray for traveling mercy.

Sunday

We heard from Albert. He arrived in Toyko after 13 1/2 hr. flight. He finished a whole book on the flight. It was 7:20 am here and 10:20 pm for him. We saw pics that he took with his phone out the window over Siberia and Japan. He had a great shot of a snow covered volcano. We read our morning reading which is Exodus 27-28. We are thankful for technology! We blew each other kisses and he went to bed and we began our day. I'm baking bread pudding to take to church this morning for our afternoon service fellowship we have each week.