Punch for the Southern...

Okay guys! I need your help!

I grew up not enjoying punch. Really. We didn't even have it at our winter time wedding. Yup, we sat around sipping down lemonade in the dead of winter. Yes friends, you have officially arrived in the South. Any questions?
Now over the past few years, I've learned to appreciate the kick punch brings (must be that influence from my lutheran friend), and the fact that it's filled with things great for fending off a cold (per my mother-in-law). Well now, I've got a scrathy throat starting. So off I marched and bought ginger ale, pineapple juice, hawaiin punch , and frozen orange juice. Now I know that at least some of these ingredients go together to make a tasty sipping treat. But I have no idea which ones or how much of what.
So here's your good deed for the day. Click comments below and send me some great punch recipes, but no cranberries please. And hurry, before my hubby drinks all the pineapple juice!

Prayer Request this week

I have a precious lady in my life who emailed me with some personal prayer requests just a few moments ago. Please pray for "L" that God will create in her a peace that surpasses all understanding, and that His Name will be Glorified through her burdens. That she be blessed with strength, good rest, and time for relaxation and enjoyment of her family/friends. She's always so busy ministering to others. Pray God would bless her with a "Girls Night Out" where she could just be "one of the girls" without the weight of her burden or having to bear another's. Just time to be His child and fellowship with other chritian ladies in good fun. This is my prayer for my good friend.

God really is good, all the time...

Remember the grandmother in the horrible car accident back at the start of summer? This past week, by the grace of God's provident hand, Nanny came home. We're not back to normal yet, but much more so than anyone would have expected when it happened.
Never take one day for granted. When you open your eyes each morning, let your first breath be a thank you to our Lord for another day of life in His glorious creation. We are blessed beyond measure just to wake each morning and remember how to get out of bed and walk, or talk, or eat.
Thought you'd like to see our miracle!

School's in, but that's not all.

Ahh, the smell of new books! September is always a very busy month for us. Now, I always love the start of a new school year and diving back into teaching.

Can't you see why?

But for my family, September is especially grand because we celebrate 3 very special birthdays. 3 of my four girls were born in September, and I love to entertain, especially for someone I love. So, two down, one more to go, and one BIG party next week.

Here's some birthday highlights so far.

Ofcourse, you see the REAL highlight...mmm...banana splits...

Just Because...

mudpiestodragonflies had one of those stir your heart posts today about taking pictures "just because". All too soon, those photos are the memory of days gone by that we can never get back. Cherish every moment. Spend the afternoon with someone you love "just because". And don't forget to snap a picture or two. Those days together that nothing really happened, will turn out to be some of your most treasured memories. They are for me.

Here's a few of my favorites along the way as today I've been reminded that it's not always to remember those who have passed on, but sometimes those who are just gone...

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I love you guys!

Firsts...

What days we take for granted! Today my hubby's family had their first official get together since Nanny's accident. She was able to get a day pass from Rehab. and join us for dinner. Her recovery to this point has been nothing short of the miraculous work of the Hand of the Loving Father. I won't blab for hours, but I'll give you the highlights.
My hubby grilled italian marinated chicken tenderloins, and we had Grammy's crock pot, yes crock pot, macaroni. Of course there was more, but remember we're hitting the highlights!
Tomorrow marks the start of a new school year for us. Most of my girls are excited. Bug, on the other hand, is having apprehensions. In her words after orientation (I'll edit out the blubbering and running nose), "It's just all so different, and she's not there. Operative word:she. Bug's teacher last year became so much more than a teacher. She loved her so much, and her son was Bug's best friend. They recently moved away, and I don't think the reality of it fully hit Bug until she walked into that room the other night.
I must confess it's been hard for me too. Her teacher was my co-worker and had become one of my closest friends. I miss her terribly.
I'm a bit nervous for tomorrow too as I've been moved to an older age group. I'm excited and have had great fun getting my classroom ready, but I'm nervous about that "first day of school", hoping I will remember which kids go with which parents in car line! We may have to break out the name tags in the morning! :)

When it rains it pours...

I am so very happy to report that the upstairs insulation is done and ready for sheet rock! I wish I had said that 2 months ago, but praise God that much is done. Progress had slowed a lot in the last months. It's usually just the hubby and I, but God is there with us and He will see us through to completion.

A few days back we had a bit of a ruchas over at the ginhouse. Then we remembered, we'd heard that sound before in the days of our youth...yes, that was thunder...and rain to boot! We had a washout praise God, but not so fortunate, was the porta-potty!

This was shortly after it happened. If you look closely, the image caught the raindrops falling. It was dark, so that explains the photo lighting. Thankfully, Pa had just finshed up and headed out of there for the barn before the blow over! J/K That's one shower you wouldn't want!