Happy Monday!

Ever had this feeling?  I sure have, but it’s never been this funny:

Family B-Day Fun & Fellowship

This past Sat., we had a combination b-day party at my brother Johnny’s house . [A belated one for Johnny (July 5th) and a little early for my daughter Sarah (July 23rd).] This is the cake I baked, and I decorated it the way my Sarah Beth suggested. 🙂

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Sarah w/ cousin Ally (Johnny’s oldest).

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My brother Johnny (I know it’s hard to believe, but yes, he’s younger. Hee, Hee, Hee! 🙂 ) Mom is beside him.

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Eli, Brenda (Johnny’s wife), Sarah, Ally, and Kerry:

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Ally, Sarah, Eli, and Kerry:

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Here’s Eli, Johnny’s youngest…he’s 3.

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Johnny, cutting the b-day cake.

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Dad and Johnny.

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My Sarah Beth…who is 8 yrs. old today!

Museum Trip

Today (on Sarah’s b-day) the kids and I went on a museum trip w/ my sister-in-law Lisa & my two nieces, Heather and Rachel. We went to the NC Museum of History and the NC Museum of  Natural Sciences. It was a great day, and it wore the kids out! (always a plus!! 🙂 )

Sarah and I took turns taking these pics w/ her little digital camera. Hope some of them turned out alright! 🙂 :

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Sarah, Kerry, and Rachel w/ statue of a Native American woman.

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An African American Soldier:

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Pirate Blackbeard:

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Pirate Treasure:

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Kerry steering the play pirate ship.

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The only photo we got from the science museum…

My Sarah Turns Eight…

…on Thursday, July 23rd! Here’s just a few pics of her early b-day party from this past Sat.:

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Happy Birthday Sarah Beth!!!

We all love you very much!!!

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**To learn more about my Sarah Beth, visit this post from her last b-day: “Seven Years”

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**Note: These photos were actually taken this past Sat. at a combination b-day party for my brother Johnny and my daughter Sarah. (Johnny’s b-day was July 5th, and Sarah’s is Thurs., July 23rd.)  There will be more pictures to follow…

A Few More Pics…

…from Sarah’s Baptism…Sun. 6/28/09:

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Sarah coming down the steps to the Baptistry.

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Sarah’s almost in the water!

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I just love this pic! I think it captures Sarah’s enthusiasm! 🙂 I’m so happy for my Sarah Beth and for all those who were recently baptized!

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Sarah after being baptized. Took a pic of Sarah w/ her towel and wet hair in front of the stain-glass window.

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Sarah’s still looking pretty happy and excited! 🙂

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**This was something Sarah decided on her own that she was ready to do.  This was actually a test of faith for her, because she was nervous and afraid of having her head under water.  [Yes, we’ll be working on the swimming lessons! 🙂 I was the same way when I got baptized at 9.  In fact, I was scared to death, in a way, but (like Sarah) I knew that the Lord would be with me and would help me!]

Again, I’m so happy for my Sarah Beth! 🙂

Growing In Faith Daily

A small step is a giant leap

In growth and faith each day

If this step is your time with God

To read His Word and pray. —Sper

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“Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” –Ephesians 4:23

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**See Our Daily Bread devotional here.

Who Can Relate?

I’m sick again…bronchitis this time.  I’m feeling pretty depleted.  However, it certainly could be worse, and this too shall pass.  I sure can relate to this pic, though, and of course, I think it’s cute:

Preciousness and Puppies

They’re SOOOOO cute!  You think I want another puppy?  Who said I want another puppy? 🙂

Can’t Thank Him Enough

Thank You Lord For Saving My Soul

Thank You Lord for saving my soul,
Thank You Lord for making me whole.
Thank You Lord for giving to me,
Thy great salvation, so rich and free.

Thank You Lord for saving my soul,
Thank You Lord for making me whole.
Thank You Lord for giving to me,
Thy great salvation, so rich and free.

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Thank you Lord for Your gift of salvation; for your forgiveness, mercy, and love. Thank you Lord for all your many, many blessings. Thank you for my husband, children, family, and friends. Thank you for all Your marvelous provision each and every day.

Please remind me to always give thanks and to teach my children to do the same. Amen.

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**To view more posts from other Thankful Thursday participants, you may visit Lynn’s blog, over here.

Gallops and Goals…

…Horse Camp — 6/29-7/03:

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Sarah, along w/ her cousin Rachel, attended Gallops and Goals Horse Camp all this week.

Of course, Sarah has enjoyed herself immensely!  Here are a few pics for now (believe me, there are dozens more!) :

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Sarah saddling Sugar. Can you see the excitement in Sarah’s face?!

It’s not that noticeable, is it?! 🙂

Sarah leading Sugar. Looks like Sugar’s talkin’ to her! 🙂

Sarah riding Sugar.

My niece Rachel, w/ her favorite riding horse, Honey.

Rachel has been taking lessons for the last 2-3 months now.

Little Kerry didn’t attend the camp, but he even got to ride a little on the last day!

Kerry is riding Shorty w/ a western saddle.

(I think it’s so cute how Kerry prepared himself for this

and made sure he wore his cowboy hat and boots! 🙂 )

Kerry on Shorty (led by Cameron) and Sarah on Sugar.