more pics

visit from dear friends

We got an unexpected surprise visit from Elkin (we've been lifelong friends since we were 14), Krissy (goddaughter) and her fiance, Stephen today. They were in Magnolia to help another friend move. It was a blessings to get to meet Stephen. We gave them a early gift, the book our church recommended for those who are anticipating marriage called What Did you Expect? by Paul Tripp. The Lord's timing was perfect in that we had been reading it and were able to share it with those facing the committment. May the Lord guide them and cleanse them as they approach marriage.

Kara's birthday

Our little girl turned 6 today. We've been celebrating all week. The boys and I decorated her cake and we are going to Marble Slab this evening and to ride the carousel at the Woodlands Mall.

summer vacation

We headed down to Corpus Christi to be apart of the public release of the Kemper's ridley sea turtles. We had to be on standby because they had just hatched.
We left here Monday with a stop in El Campo to Buckee's. The children did not remember stopping at one before so it was a treat. Albert got a pecan log, I got a peanut patty, Christian got a blueberry muffin, Ethan got an Icee, and Kara a chocolate brownie. Funny, that's what they chose at Target when we stop for a treat. We got Christian a leather wallet for his birthday there as well. Once arriving in Corpus we headed to the county park at Packery Channel. We got hermit crabs by the bunches and enjoyed the evening. We were so glad to get there safely and see water. Tuesday, the turtles weren't ready so we headed to the marsh areas for some crabbin'. It was hot and the mosquitoes were pretty vicious to the guys since they were in the grasses. Thankfully, we had some Off to ward them off. We got 6 crabs so we headed to the beach at Mustang Island State Park. It was upsetting to see the day use area in disrepair. It had been seven years since we lived there for 3 months and we remembered the park being really nice. Albert got an Aussie portable grill forhis advanced Father's Day gift so he grilled us some sausage, hot dogs and crabs. We boiled the crabs with some Tony Chachere's. I missed my chest area and got quite a burn but thankfully I brought some lavender for the mosquito bites and remembered it worked well for burns too. It really healed it up fast! Thanks Jennifer for teaching me that. Highly recommend it for sunburns.
Wednesday was the big day. Turtles! They were so little. Padre Island National Park was a neat place and very well taken care of. Unlike, the state park, it was free of debris and the buildings were in great shape. If you were going to the beach, they gave you a big black bag to fill with trash. The rangers were nice and friendly. At 6:40 or so we got to head down to the beach for the big release. Thankfully, we got a close up view as they were put on the beach to scuttle to the sea. There were over 200 people there to celebrate the turtles. We all cheered as the first one made it out. The local news was there to film the event and Christian was asked to give his assessment of the event. He declined respectfully. We stayed until Ethan had to go to the bathroom then we scrambled to find the toilets. The visitor's center was closed because all the rangers were helping with the event so we had to find another restroom. We found the area were kayaking was popular and thought it would be great to take a small inflatable boat out there. People were wade fishing so it was quite shallow. We then toured the rest of the park and then headed for some breakfast since we had been up since 5am. Cracker Barrel was the choice Albert made since he had heard good things about there breakfasts. Great recommendation! Their bacon is delicious. After breakfast, we headed back to the hotel for some rest, a siesta. That was very refreshing. Then we went crabbin to another marsh area near Laguna Madre. We got 12 crabs that time. Note crabbing is not as good in Corpus as in Galveston. We were all hot and ready for some beach time so we headed back to Mustang Island with the idea of parking on the beach for our dinner and swim time. As soon as we started taking everything out for dinner, we saw dark clouds coming in from the west. We decided to wait and go swimming instead. It was so overcast and then is started to rain. It was so fun swimming in the rain. Then the wind got bad so we headed to the truck. Albert was watching the weather patterns online so we just waited until it past by. It was still sprinkling but the wind died down. We had our picnic and it really cooled off because of the rain. It was perfect. It was already late in the evening and so once the sun was gone, the mosquitoes rallied. Note, swimwear may be UV protective but is not mosquito proof. We got EATEN ALIVE in all the places the Off didn't cover us. By then it was 9:40 pm and the park closes at 10pm. I don't know whether we were more hurried to get out before being locked in or to get away from the blood suckers.
Thursday was time to prepare to head home. Of course, we had to stop by the beach on our way out and we had lunch and swam one last time. It was so nice. I couldn't help myself so I filled up a bucket with litter. Next time were are going to bring more gloves so each of us can help clean up. We parked next to the fresh water rinse and were able to get cleaned up before heading the 5 hrs. home. On the way home we stopped at Prasek's Smokehouse in Hillje which is near El Campo. The have the BEST BBQ. We ate chopped beef sandwiches that were the best I've had. We already get the sausage from HEB since they carry the brand but got some to take home. We tried their seasoned pork steak, buffalo sausage, jalepeno and smoked sausage (awesome stuff). Highly recommend it! Next time I want to get one of there smoked hams to try.

Deutoronomy 6

This morning I had a wonderful time experiencing the verse about "as you walk along the way". Our family has been going on walks each morning for exercise and time together. The children and I had great discussions on hospitality, manners, the Holy Spirit, prayer, wildlife, complaining, stewardship, feeding the soul and body etc. The 45 mins. we shared led me to be thankful to the Lord for providing a way to make exercising enjoyable and worthwhile.

The One True God by Paul Washer

We concluded our study last night at the Frye's. What a great study! All about God and His Word. We will miss our time with the Spear's, Justin, David, the Willie's, and the Frye's. Thanks again Frye's for your hospitality.

Laundry soap making day

For mom, it was make more laundry detergent time. Our well water is extremely full of minerals (I hope it is minerals...). So, our whites were coming out dingy. I bought some Tide for the whites but decided with this new batch I'd double the strength to make up for the water issues. I'll let you know how it works out. The cost for this is soooo inexpensive! I bought 2 bars of Fels-Naptha from Kroger at $1.19 each. I also had left over washing soda and Borax from my last batch. My last batch lasted 9 months!! I am so thankful.

checklists and chores

I love checklists. Christian loves them too. We feel so in control using them. Today we worked on chore rescheduling. Albert and I discussed a resolution concerning kitchen duties. We had been experiencing great delay due to the fact the co laborers were slacking so that the others would get the job done. We went back to the timer method which helped but we decided on a modified approach. Using the choosing by lot method, and a nifty list of duties, we scheduled out monthly for certain tasks. For example, unload dishwasher is breakfast time task. Each child has the duty for a month. So Ethan will be responsible for the month of June to daily unload the dishwasher. The list of duties is for all morning and evening meal related needs in the area of mopping, sweeping, counters cleared and wiped, table set, and dishes put away. I'll keep you updated as to the success of this new approach.

Costco

Last night a friend from church named Emily told me about organics at great prices at Costco. Well, the Proverb came to mind "she gets her food from afar" so I headed over there with Hubby's blessings. Very important aspect is the blessings. See I am a recovering shopaholic. No, really. In years past, I could have spent $500 easy at Costco. So many things and so much of it! But thankfully, as part of my sanctification, the Lord is working in me and teaching me stewardship. It was so neat to be allowed to go there (Kara went with me so glad He's training her too) and still maintain self control. I love how the Lord teaches and then only at the appropriate time He allows us to overcome. I was very thankful for finding so many products I needed at very good prices. I plan on going twice a month. Costco has a friend referral system so if this appeals to your need, don't forget to give them my info- name and address when you sign up. You and I will get the same gift card (nice).

This picture speaks volumes about birth order and our children.

running at the farm in Mineola

This underground home is on route from Crockett to Palestine, TX.

flood plain compliant

You can ride horses anywhere.

Princess Kara showing how to keep the house clean.

He really can play the part. See the post on the Christmas play from 2009.

Ethan realized heavy equipment is necessary when it rains around here.

This is not a swamp, no it is not a creek bed, it is right out our front door back in 2006. My godson, Tyler, is being rescued by his sister, Krissy as he had sank up to mid chest in our mud/quicksand. He was being threatened by her that we were about to call the fire dept. for help. Ethan is seconds from needing some assistance as well.

Our land after just purchasing it. It was so fun to go there and attempt to brushhog it with a push mower. We so enjoyed our time there we found reasons to go visit.

One of my all time favorites!

Baby Kara with her ears pierced. They had to be removed because her skin was too sensitive.

This was taken in front of our last home (which is 55o feet from our house now) during Easter celebrations in 2005.

Albert had just returned from deployment in 2000. This is aboard his ship the Frederick in Pearl Harbor.

old pics

The Pedersen's inspired me to post some old family photos.

This was taken from our hotel days before we left HI to come back to TX. Christian is standing at the window, amazing huh. He had strawberry blonde hair when he was little too.

great, easy recipe Sticky Pecan Pie Bars

Back when we went to Cypress Top, I picked up a recipe they had available. It is sooooo good. It is a great dessert for the last minute. I can't wait to bring it for church. Here it is:

Sticky Pecan Pie Bars

1 box yellow cake mix (do not follow directions on the box)
1 stick melted butter
1 egg
combine, press into 13x9 pan (I used glass) and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, until light golden brown

Filling:
3/4 cup dark corn syrup ( I only had light corn syrup so I used 1/2 of it and added 1/4 of molasses)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Pour into browned crust; bake at 350 for another 22-25 minutes until filling is set. Cool completely (we ate them warm)

(We ate ours with a can of whipped cream)

staining

Mr. Huffman stained our master bath cabinets today. I'll get some pics tomorrow of the progress. Thanks so much David.

Father's Day shopping and joyful news

After doing some schooling this morning, we headed off to get gifts for Albert and my dad. We ran into our friend and neighbor, Denise and were so happy to hear her good news. Brittany is engaged!! I hadn't seen them in awhile so I had to find out the details. FYI, Brittany is an amazing young woman who loves the Lord. She is a missionary having traveled to many places worldwide proclaiming the Gospel. She met her fiance at the Honor Academy http://www.honoracademy.com/ while she attended there being trained for missions. He is now on staff with them and Brittany will be joining him in Lindale, TX, after the wedding. Praise the Lord for their courtship and faithfulness to Him and each other. They are to wed before Christmas. Brittany's brother, Marcus, will be attending the Honor Academy in August. Denise said something that I want to share. She said she wished everyone she knew experienced a Christ centered life and the blessedness of His goodness. Amen.
We got an Aussie Walk A Bout portable grill for Albert from Home Depot. Then we headed to the Army Surplus Store in Spring for a special gift. We also got Grandaddy a gift as well.

Book of the Month

Our church has the men reading "What Did you Expect?" by Paul Tripp. It is a marriage book that prepares the unwed for the realities of marriage and convicts the rest of us. I am not sure I will finish this book. Too much responsibility! No really, it is great showing how grace given by Christ is what we desperately need to love our spouse as ourselves.

ENT update

Ethan went to Dr. Newland's office today for follow up after having his ear tube removed. He passed the hearing test with flying colors. The doctor said both ears were perfect. Praise the Lord.

money well spent

Ethan has been saving his money for quite some time. He had asked Santa for a game gun at Christmas and since he didn't get one, he's been saving up. Just to let you know, Ethan is a very practical person. He is also a law abiding citizen. He reminds me constantly to use my signal. Anyway, I matter-of-factly told him that even if he did purchase the gun from Gander Mountain, we had no big game trips planned and the State of TX will not issue him a license to use it at age 7. Well, that did it. No more talk of moose hunting in Alaska. Now forward to yesterday. He, on a trip to Home Depot with his dad and brother, found his next purchase. He decided to spend his hard earned and saved money on a grinder. He plans to make guns out of our fallen trees and sell them. He was very happy to explain to me how it worked in detail. He has to be patient with me because he knows I am girl.

more harvesting

The red potatoes continue to be mined and boy are they yummy! I didn't realize the difference in cooking them though. It takes twice as long to bake them. I guess because they are so fresh. Also we either got our first zucchini or cucumber!! The bugs are getting the broccoli though. The children are really heartbroken over that.

project time

Our calendar has been marked for the Memorial holiday to be a work day. We are getting the master bath in order. The Lord has really been convicting us of not taking care of it and completing our home. We do not want to get in the way of His plans for us by continuing in our disobedience! We are thankful for all the rest we have received and realize now we must get back to work. Please pray for safety and our time to be used wisely in the next two days. Please don't feel sorry for us because we make a bunch of BBQ to chow down on.

crabbin'

On our Galveston trip we did some crabbin' and were able to bring home 3 of the tasty critters. We had to freeze them because we didn't have time to cook them up. So last night we got a chance to have a crab broil. They tasted delicious. Next time we go to the beach, I am bringing charcoal and my big crab pot.

Saturday clean up

Back to life and clean up. I finished cleaning the inside of the truck and now it needs a bath. The children got the bathrooms cleaned and upstairs vacuumed. I need to check their tub and then start cooking for tomorrow. We have a fellowship meal every Sunday and are asked to make enough food for us and another family. I also need to weed the flowerbeds and the garden. Albert is working today.

Friday fellowship

After cleaning up everything from the beach trip, we went over to the Vaughn's. The Mazyn's were there as well. Time in the pool was enjoyed while the adults discussed all the Lord is teaching us. Albert joined us after work and enjoyed visiting with Stuart. We shared Mexican food and good conversation. It was another day of rest from the Lord.

late spring break

With all that went on with my Uncle, we had to fore go spring break this year. However, the Lord blessed us with a rest and the children and I were able to go with Albert to Galveston while he attended a two day class there.
The morning before his class they got to fish. It reminded us of our beach life in HI. We dropped him off at 8:00am and began exploring. We found the Galveston Island State Park and toured it. It had been really beat up because of Ike. We found a cove with a covered picnic area. Christian had brought the net and he and his siblings spent the morning chasing blue crabs. We called Granny and Granddaddy and asked them about the crabbin' rules. They caught quite a few and had a blast. Although hot, the shade of the awning provided relief. We had a picnic there and then headed off for more exploration. We checked out the beach and decided to head there after picking up Dad. Mosquitoes were quite vicious there. They attacked in swarms. We have battle scars to prove it! After picking Albert up, we made our way back to the beach and enjoyed swimming late into the evening. We then attempted some night fishing near 39th Street but the tide coming in thwarted our efforts.
Thursday we got another early start and did some more fishing. Then had to check out of La Quinta and made our way to the beach at 39th Street so Daddy could walk to meet us after his class. Our friends, the Holder's, were able to join us for the day. We were joined by Albert at noon. We had a dilemma that day however. The previous day as we were leaving the state park, I saw a sign stating that the water would be shut off the following day. Well, I was quite upset considering we had invited guests! I called the visitor's center and was informed that the only other water available beach was Stewart's. With the holiday weekend approaching, I didn't want to fight the crowds there. So Thursday morning I prayed and Albert was instrumental in the solution. He told some of his classmates of our dilemma and the VP of Galveston College was so gracious. She allowed us to use the fitness center to shower in. Problem solved. It was two blocks from the beach where we had set up beach camp. The police chief even gave Albert a ride to us after class. Albert was able to meet many of the key officials of Galveston and was impressed by their servant attitudes and care for the people they serve. He learned a lot from them and the Lord gave him insight into proper civil government as God's authority in the affairs of man. Our time there was restful and a blessing. We returned home renewed and strengthened.

Cypress Top

Field trip time again, today we headed with the Heaney's to Cypress, TX, to a Harris County park that was donated by the Juergen's family. It was originally a railroad stop that included a general store, home that accommodated boarders, gristmill, blacksmith, stables, and dance hall. The general store closed down in 2003 and was left as it was.
After touring each building guided by a ole time resident, we ended the afternoon with a picnic lunch at the pavilion and a time of fellowship.

Tim Ramos

On Sunday, Albert met a young man who was visiting our church. He is a youth minister and sound engineer. He has toured with bands like Salvador, Jaci Velasquez, and Shane and Shane. He had heard Dr. Baucham and wanted to visit our church. He has an amazing testimony of being adopted. He serves the Lord as George Mueller did on faith. Here's his website: www.timramos.org.

Honey

One of our stops today was to the Shiflet home. We picked up the honey we ordered in bulk from them. We look forward to trying the local batch and highly recommend it for allergies. Thanks again, Gina.

Park time and Krogering

This morning, before the heat, we met Stephanie, Brooke and Zachary at the Windale Park in The Woodlands. After eating a snack and playing chase, we headed to Kroger for some shopping. Ethan and Kara shared a small buggy and Christian pushed the adult size. He told me I didn't have to do a thing now except lead the way. I was reminded this morning of the Great Commission and how I am making disciples-Christian, Ethan and Kara. They watch me and follow after me. As in the grocery store, they are learning to navigate life. Do they see Christ speaking, fellowshipping, teaching, walking, and showing them the way to fulfill the will of the Father? I pray that my priorities would indicate so and the awareness of them convict.

red potatoes

I cooked up the red potatoes from the garden and they are delicious. The recipe is butter, lemon juice, garlic, Parmesan cheese and salt. Bake 350 for 30 mins. covered and additional 30 minutes uncovered. I tossed in the micro squash and the two green beans we grew.
I also baked cookies that have oatmeal, chocolate chips, bananas and pecans in them. You can find it at www.recipezaar.com and search for #170036. Tasty cookies. The recipe calls for walnuts but I'm a pecan lover myself so I added them instead. We are going to share with church family tomorrow.

Great news of great joy!

Angela called and shared their exciting news with us. They are pregnant!! 6 weeks. We are so thankful to the Lord for hearing their prayer for another child.

floor cleaning tip

I have been in spring cleaning mode today. I even scrubbed the grout in the laundry room bath. My tip is Tilex Mold and Mildew cleaner. Just spray it on the grout, let it sit for 10 minutes and scrub with grout brush. If you plan ahead (unlike me today), you can seal it with a grout sealer. It makes even white grout appear Elmer's glue colored.

Uncle John's farewell and birthday party

We celebrated Uncle's birthday (June 8) and his farewell with his favorite cake- German chocolate. We gave the cake some thought and figured the coconut flakes look like sauerkraut so that maybe why it is called "German". I guess I could have done an internet search...
He got off early this morning and we are waiting to hear from Myla that all is well.

Child training

I haven't planned to include infant care in our child training since we do not currently have babies around our house, but Kara and Ethan are well suited for the task. In their hands on approach, they realized it is just easier and more economical to feed Baby Alive naked and as she sits on the toilet. Why didn't I think of that when I had newborns!!!

faith like potatoes and micro gardening

We are so excited! We got a bucket full of red potatoes!! We also have been blessed with strawberries which we had to share with the ants (they are more watchful about harvesting than we are, see Proverbs 6:6). But when it comes to the squash, to say we need to add fertilizer might be an understatement.

Turtle soup

Mr. Huffman spotted a turtle crossing the road as he came to visit. He called Albert and the boys and they headed down to pick it up. After taking a look at his shell, they were certain he as one that we had previously caught and who had escaped in the night. Kara and I were gone shopping that day and so upon our arrival, the boys couldn't wait to show us. The truck was loaded down with groceries so I began putting items away. I had walked out of the garage back door and saw Ethan in terror saying "Kara, Kara,Kara" My first thought, biggest fear, was she was run over, but the truck was off. So I made it to the front of the truck and found her circling with the large reptile clamped onto her index finger. She was screaming hysterically. I grabbed the turtle by the jaws squeezing them open to retrieve her finger. She was not consolable. Albert ran and picked her up and I ran for peroxide, alcohol and iodine. Poor baby was so upset. She had been watching the movie Babe so I think her feelings were hurt most by the turtle. I explained to her that the turtle thought her finger was a wormy. Ethan was ready to pulverize the turtle. After resting and calming down, she was spotted taking Ethan's Nerf machine gun and pointing it at the turtle. A true Texas girl! Don't get mad, shoot something. The serpent from the Garden's relative received mercy and was transported via wagon to the pond nearby. Turtle soup was considered but we had chicken enchiladas instead. Update: her finger looks good and she is still on antibiotics from her ear infection.

Oceanstar Oilrig Museum

Monday we traveled with the Ashworth's to Galveston. Our first stop and our reason for the trip was to tour the Oceanstar Oilrig Museum near the Strand. We were easily distracted by the numerous birds that were perched in and along the shrimp boats and pier. There were pelicans, comer-ans, and sea gulls. I was fascinated by the returning shrimp boat. They sorted the shrimp and even fed some to the birds! They then put up there flag with the word "SHRIMP" on it and were opened for business. I was really impressed with the freshness. If I hadn't had a huge back of frozen shrimp in the freezer I'd have made room in the cooler quick! After be sightseers for quite some time, we finally made our way to down the deck to the oilrig. The tour attendants greeted us warmly and even started the movie which ran on the 1/2 hour for us early. Watching the 15 minute movie was quite informative. I got there with absolutely no prior detailed knowledge of how the oil industry relies on the offshore wells. After learning terms and visually seeing what they were talking about, we meandered through the three story structure and even onto the deck areas to see the equipment. Christian, Kara and Hannah got to dress up in roughneck gear and sit in the operator's chair. There was a lot to see and a lot to learn about in the three hours we were there. After concluding our museum tour, we headed to find a beach for lunch and some fun in the sun. First we check out East Beach and then back to Stewart's Beach. The showers and restrooms were the appealing factor. However, we missed the timing to utilize the facilities. It was an oasis of a time. We did continue our home schooling with our portable oven that we made nachos and smores on. Thank you Ashworth's for leading that! Christian taught us about oil spills and clean up and how it affects feathered creatures. He also learned about wind direction and shared it with us. Hannah and Christian enjoyed swimming and Kara collected many shells and baby crabs. Lesli and I, while keeping a watchful eye on our wave jumpers, had a lovely, refreshing visit. I was well suited for the sun and Christian with Albert's instructions, had my umbrella set up and it did not create a problem(falling, tilting, etc..) I would like to say I had pictures following this narrative but my cards were full. We left at 7pm drove down the seawall (I haven't been there since before Ike). It was a most lovely day and the company was delightful. Oh, since we had no restrooms available, my bleach bottles full of water were lifesavers to douse two muddy children with. We brought a sheet which made for a make shift shower. Thank you Ashworth's for poising as living shower rods. We made it home safely with no incidents and were much refreshed.

Kara's ear update

She is still complaining of pain and is on pain medication. Her fever was 101.8 this morning.

Our relatives visit

Aunt Stephanie, Uncle Jeremy, Brooke and Zachary, Granny and Grandaddy visited us last night to say goodbye to Uncle John. Granny brought gifts for Kara, Ethan and Christian. We gave her her Mother's Day gift since I was sick and couldn't visit.

Kara's ear

She's got an inner ear infection. We thought she had swimmer's ear but that wasn't the case. We just got back from the doctor's. Dr. Karr gave her ear drops for the pain and an antibotic.

bronchitis

Please keep me in your prayers as I've had bronchitis for a week now. I have enjoyed the resting part of this sickness. I do however admit that poor stewardship was a result. While facing many trials in the last eight weeks, the Lord kept me and strengthened me. He did however show me my weakness in the realm of exercise. I have been very conscious of eating healthy foods for quite some time but not in regards to maintaining a habit of moderate exercise. I'm still 35 lbs. overweight and this has added to my weakened immune system. He is a faithful Father who corrects His children.

Uncle John

Praise the Lord, he continues to heal. He is leaving next Friday for VA to stay with his daughter, Myla, and her family to begin his chemo treatment. Please pray for his recovery and for Aunt Nancy to be able to join him.

Swimming, yard work, field trips

We have been gearing up for summer. The pool is set and in use already. Albert and the boys have got the yard squared away and we are getting in as many field trips as possible before the heat sets in. We've visited Kleb Nature Preserve and will be going to the Oceanstar Oilrig Museum on Monday with a trip to Cypress Top on Tuesday.

new smile

Ethan lost his 3rd tooth today. Worth $5 in the Hernandez family.

An olive tree

Mercer Botanical Gardens

We really enjoyed our afternoon here at the county park on Aldine Westfield Rd. It was a little warm but we had our canteens.

Kleb Nature Preserve

We traveled to Tomball to the Harris County park with the Heaney's to walk the trails and visit the homestead. The workers there were kind and helpful. They even opened the Kleb home for us to see the inside. It was a great afternoon of exploration and fellowship. Our next field trip will be to Cypress Top to visit the Juergen's railroad community near Hwy 290 and Cypress-Rosehill.

Cinco de Mayo celebration

Mr. Huffman made us his famous tres leche cake for the fiesta. We ate egg, sausage, and potato tacos to keep with the theme. Ole!