The aunt who can do no wrong.

I don't know what it is with young people lately, but Leyla is fed up with them. You will often hear her saying:

"Teenagers are BAD mom. I don't like them..............(thinking intently) I know Josie's a teenager. I like her, though, she's not bad."

"Teenagers are SO loud mom! But not Auntie Josie."

"Teenagers are bad, mom. They think they can just walk around town wherever they want. But not Auntie Josie she doesn't do that."

"Teenagers always litter! (As she sees trash in the school parking lot and rolls her eyes) But not Auntie Josie she doesn't litter."

Passing them the other night at the park, she gets disgusted again. I say "not all teenagers are bad and when you get to be one it's important to pick the good ones who love the Lord as your friends." Leyla agrees,"Yep Mom, just like Josie! She has the BEST friends!"

It also just happens to be Josie's 17th birthday today. Happy birthday! We love you!

The difference of a Merry Heart

(1) Proverbs 17:22

(2) Proverbs 12:4

(3) 1 Corinthians 11:7

(4) Proverbs 31:10

(5) Proverbs 18:22

A wife who causes shame to her husband is like rottenness to his bones (2). For a broken, downcast spirit dries up the bones (1). Who can find an excellent wife, a virtuous wife, a wife of valor? He who finds her finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord (5). She is a crown to her husband (2), he safely trust in her (4). Her merry heart does good like healing balm, health and life (1). For woman is the glory and beauty of man (3).

I took a little liberty here by putting these challenging Scriptures together. Hope that's ok. I better ask my husband.

We had this last night for dinner. Yes, dinner, it was Sunday! Very yummy.

Baked Oatmeal

3 cups rolled oats

3/5 cup brown sugar

2 t ground cinnamon

2 t baking powder

1 t salt

1 cup milk

2 eggs

1/2 cup melted butter

2 t vanilla extract

3/4 cup cranberries

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• In a large bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Beat in milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in dried cranberries. Spread into a 9x13 inch pan.
• Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Next time I may substitute apple sauce for the butter, honey for the sugar, and flax seed mixture for eggs = healthier

Do you ever have an idea, move forward with it and then stop?

Unfortunately I do this too often. These are materials for two different projects that have come to a halt. I am posting this to give myself a kick in the pants. Sooooo in the near future, I WILL have these projects done and reveal the results. "Near future" not good enough? Ok, October 1st!

Any guesses on what they might become?

#1 This was in my Grandpa's shed.

#2 The solid fabrics have been in storage for 5 years. The floral I picked up at Goodwill.

Our dear friends, the Dillons, from out West have a new blog. Go see their exciting announcement!

Happy Trails!

Nate, Ruth and Austin - your family is dear to so many. We will miss you. You will stay in our prayers as we wait for you to come back to the Midwest. (This clan gathered over to the weekend for a farewell party.)