Arboretum Visit

I took 100+ pix this day; so posting only 14 total, as I plan, is really letting the viewer off quite easily!

We had lots of fun during Nana's visit. I also learned a lot--how to thread the sewing machine and bobbin, how to patch jeans and make a headband, how to wash windows most efficiently, how to make okra and tomatoes, how to make rice flawlessly, how to use Old English to buff up furniture, and many other how-tos that escape my mind at the time.

Life Unveiled

Here is the McDaniel Home, unveiled somewhat! I should warn you that on my next post there are no less than FOURTEEN pictures that I want to share from our trip to the Arboretum with Nana.

About the pix: Since gardening is so new to me, I am very easily enthralled by the grandeur of it all. The first pix is showing how strawberries grow. The white blooms are what you see first (after the initial pods.) And then, the middle part of the bloom overtime becomes a strawberry! We have our first tomato on the vine.

You can see Simon playing with his toolshed--(yay for garage sales!) There was a big community garage sale this morning, at a recreation center, but I didn't wake up early enough for that one! We had all night prayer last night, so we came home around 4:00 and slept in until almost noon!

Simon in his bath; these were the only family-friendly photos I could post! The little boats are adorable, though he doesn't quite know what they are for yet.

Simon on the couch watching a PraiseBaby or some other children's movie. He gets SO excited when he gets to watch one--and he gets this very contented, zoned-out expression. I am all for short (30 min.) movies in moderation. I think it helps his concentration skills; plus, sometimes I'm doing 'chores' that are dangerous when he is underfoot.

Breakfast for Play

These are pix from the children's play area at the mall. Crazy, huh? Reminds me of a Dali painting (the eggs, I think.)
I was thinking the idea is okay, but the motif? Personally, I think something a little more 'heavenly' would be a better teaching tool for kids. The stars, sun, moon, etc. Then you could more easily incorporate God the Creator (Elohim) into the conversation.
For example: "Oh, Simon, let's go see the stars. Look at them. Did you know the Bible says that the 'Heavens declare the glory of God?' That means that the infinite wonder of the galaxies point to an intelligent Creator. There are so many stars, but God knows each one--He placed them there. God knows you by name, too."

You can see how the 'Heavens' easily leads a conversation about God.
The breakfast plate? Not as conducive.

"Oh, Simon, let's see the big chunk of meat. Did you know that steak comes from dead cow? And these eggs...Well, they could have been cute little baby chicks. Did you know that God made the cows and chickens and gave us the freedom to eat them?" No scriptures immediately come to my mind for the breakfast plate except for I Corinthians 6:12..." 'Everything is permissable for me'--but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissable for me'--but I will not be mastered by anything." I guess I could emphasize Jehovah Jireh (Our Lord will Provide.)

One admonition that is emphasized in many of the parenting books that we have read is to make it a habit to bring into conversation the words and works of our God. To constantly be making much of God's power, love, and holiness. A BIG view of God and a LITTLE (but not in a bad way) view of us.

Well, I have plans to finish the last of laundry folding while watching part of last year's Gospel for Asia's Mission Conference on DVD. Matt and I are watching the segment with Ron Luce and it is really interesting to how the Lord gave him a special burden for the teens of this generation and for the lost world.

Just finished Reading: EVIDENCE NOT SEEN by Darlene Deibler
Key words: Autobiographical, Missionary, Japanese Prisoner of War
Who would want to read it: YOU
Most memorable: The word hidden in her heart and the ongoing 'conversation' prayer she has with the Lord
What to do: Add it to your list of what to check out at the library

Today on the Nature Channel

Simon--straight from a safari!

Simon and I are about to head out to the grocery store; we're out of two staples--bananas and milk. Friday is my grocery shopping day, but I'll make an exception this once. I'm trying out a new housekeeping schedule that is really working well for Simon and I. Laundry only on Wed. and Saturday. I used to feel like I was behind on laundry, if there were ever clothes in the hamper. Restricting it to two days cuts back on useless washing and unnecessary guilt!

Simon has his own broom and dustpan; I'll have to take a pix of that someday!

From the safari to the grocery store..."Oh, the places I'll go," Simon says!

Our Life

Here is some pix background: We took Simon for his first bike ride of the season last Friday. Last year, when he received the trailer for his birthday, he seemed to more than tolerate it but less than be enthralled with it. He even was small enough that he would sleep during a ride! Well, on Friday, I wondered what his older reaction would be. His facial expressions remained wide-eyed and emotionless, but later he let us know how he felt about it when he saw the trailer in the garage, sat in it, and said his first sentence: "Let's go!"

Flower pix is just included to show God's handiwork! "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it!" (Psalms)

Matt and Simon...is this what they call 'co-reading?' Matt and I were 3:30 a.m. troopers again last night with another sick night and EARLY morning bath for the little dude.

Myself in the red hat: On Good Friday, we helped out Mom and Dad in the yard. Scott and Steven Cobb and Matt helped Dad dig post holes with the help of equipment (auger?) from Home Depot Tool Rental. Mom and I weeded and weeded and weeded. This is mom's crazy red hat with a purple ribbon that I think you are supposed to wait until 50 to wear but I needed the extra sun protection!

A Look Back

Here are some pix back from when Sarah was here a couple of weeks ago.

Simon has some jelly (from IKEA of all places) on his chin--you can see it in the pix with Sarah, especially.

Sarah is an IKEA junkie now.

Wednesday is 'park' day for the McDaniel family where we just have sandwiches or something really easy (crackers and cheese) so that we have optimum time for playing outside. Tonight we went for a walk and then let Simon play in the backyard while I read some funny parts of a book I'm reading aloud to Matt.

Last Thursday we GRADUATED from New Staff Training at Gospel for Asia. Whoo-hoo! It's such a blessing to know you are where the Lord wants you to be!

Now for some sad news--We didn't take any digital pix of Simon on Easter. I"ll try and recreate the outfit sometime and take a pix. But I won't pretend it's an Easter pix (Mom!).

Okay side story: We have easter pix one year of us three kids, Kelly and I in dresses and Easter hats and I think Scott is wearing a little clip on tie with a 'suit.' THE PIX WEREN'T TAKEN ON EASTER! Mom said she was too stressed that morning so she 'recreated' in later. Seriously, we are even holding Easter baskets in the pix, I think.

My Harvest and Feast

Celebrate with me the creation, survival, and then dietary death of my first fruit of the garden labors--a strawberry! Before there was just a plant. Then a strawberry! MIRACULOUS! Then I ate it very slowly with the help of a fork and knife!

I just watered the vegetable and flowers outside. We're blessed with a shady backyard, maybe too shady for much vegetation, but we will see! The squash and cucumber plants have pretty yellow blooms on them this morning, and I saw some type of budding on one of the tomato plants!

Matt transplanted some bamboo from a friend's backyard, though it doesn't look like it will take; he plans on trying again in the fall which is the best time to plant bamboo.

Yesterday, it was a week since we had to say goodbye to Sarah and a week till we get to say hello to Matt's mom, coming in for a visit! Sarah, you'll be happy to know that the plants are all still living! Thanks for your artist's rendition of our garden landscaping; it is coming in handy!

Easter is one of my most favorite times of the year! We really deserve death, but because of what Christ did for us, we are able to have new life in Him and to daily live the abundant life, free from the bondage of sin and law!

Matt and I joke that Simon is trying to start a new Easter tradition of his own! Let's just say that he was up at 3:30 Easter morning and was quite sick. He got to get his 3rd bath of the day at 3:35 a.m. It was definitely the sickest he has been in the 2nd year of his life. Last year, he started the tradition by also being sick on Easter 'Eve'--the sickest night of his first year of life. (Bronchialitis) I had to hold him most of the night to help him breathe/sleep. Thanks for the sweet tradition Simon, that definitely makes the bond stronger as a family!

The bonds created in a sleep-deprived night are some of the strongest bonds ever!

The Men In My Life

I think these pictures are adorable!

Matt enjoys working in the yard; he is a hard worker. Really that would be an understatement. Last week he trimmed hedges and did lots of miscellaneous chores outside. Now that we have a lawnmower (on loan from Kelly and Corey), Matt was able to cut the grass! He also 'uncovered' a 'new to us' patio that was covered in mulch...?

Sarah and I have tilled the side 'garden,' and we plan to buy some high grade soil tomorrow to mix in with our old soil. We plan on planting tomatoes, bell peppers, and squash.
Yummy. What a harvest that might be! Matt and I have always been gone for a big chunk of the summer, so I am enjoying the chance to try my luck with a summer garden.

I made homemade bread for Sarah. It would go well with her 'Anti-Atkins' t-shirt.
I made the salsa again, so I guess it is part of my limited kitchen repertoire.

The laundry is calling my name, and I think I'll answer...

Mama Duck

"A Real Life Quack"

Simon calls ducks, 'Quacks.'
Isn't that cute?

Well, I know this duck doesn't think we're 'cute.'
Read the next post and you'll understand.

Simon Explores

About the pix: Last Thursday I found Simon in his room with only his head sticking out of his little side table. I had to run and get the camera. These are a few of the impromptu shots.

Here is an update.
Sarah is here.

Acquire the Fire was motivational.
Highlights:
RENEW YOUR MIND
HATE THE LIE
BATTLECRY.COM
THE WAR IS ON

12 girls stayed here Friday night. Fun. I like being around people for extended times in a relaxed environment.
The weather is gorgeous.
Sarah and I gardened today. Tilling and such.


Matt, Simon, Sarah, and I had a picnic for dinner.
Frisbee golf afterwards.
Sarah hit a frisbee that landed right next to a duck on her eggs.
Matt had to get the frisbee because it was kind of a scary predicament.
I tried to find my cellphone to call Ashley P.'s mom.
Realized we probably lost it on the 'frisbee golf course' outside.
Matt had to ride around on his bike after 9:00 in the dark on the greenbelt while I called my phone repeatedly.
Found the phone.
Right next to the mother duck.
She must be really annoyed with us.

Just One More

This was on Sunday while we were enjoying the nice weather (though the wind was strong enough to knock you down)! I heard it was going to rain all week, so I have been taking Simon outside every chance we get, expecting in advance for us to have cabin fever. But, it's still dry and it's Tuesday night...where is the rain?

I guess the rain clouds are waiting for our GFA picnic on Thursday! Oh, so much to look forward to on Thursday. GFA picnic. We're signed up to bring chips and SALSA. Hot, I think, so I'll have to use both jalapenos (see previous post.)

Also, on Thursday, I hear that SARAH is flying in! I'm not sure when exactly (hint, hint) but hopefully she'll let us know soon. 10 days of sharing our everyday life with Sarah. I am so glad she is coming. I really have been needing some extra help around here...cleaning, cooking, ironing, folding, dusting, vacuuming, shoveling, raking, gardening, etc. :) :) :)

And Friday-Saturday is Acquire the Fire and we have 10 girls staying here Friday night.

Um, Friday is Nancy's birthday, so I know I'll be a little sad, but mostly just prayerful for her.

I asked Matt if is was okay if some girls came over next Thursday to watch the new Pride and Prejudice and he said, "What is it with girls and Pride and Prejudice? That's all I hear. Pride and Prejudice. Have you seen the new Pride and Prejudice? Do you want to play the Pride and Prejudice board game?" I wonder if he is being funny about the board game or if it is something I should ask for for Mother's Day........

Life Is Good

I made salsa this week! My first attempt. Better than store-bought, though it couldn't be as tasty as those who grill their own tomatoes and such. It is my compromise. I got the recipe from Larna Humble; the Humbles are family friends of ours that we have been able to know over the years as they have done the music at HILLTOP camp. They've also been kind enough to be our cross-county 'bed and breakfast' on several occasions. We stayed with them recently and I left with some good recipes and some fun hospitality tips.
Yum, this is called "Larna's Salsa"

1 bunch green onions, cut up coarsely
1/8 to 1/4 purple onion, sliced in thick pieces
1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes (use fresh in summer)
1 (10 oz) can Rotel (Mexican w/cilantro & lime juice)
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
3/4 to 1 teaspoon cumin (she prefers 3/4 tsp.)
1 teaspoon cilantro, dried or 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder (she prefers fresh)
1 1/2 to 2 jalapeno peppers, fresh, seeded, and coarsely chopped
2-3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice (no substitutes)

Mix all ingredients together, in a food processor, with onions, garlic, and peppers on the bottom and add Rotel last. Pulse for 30 seconds, or until desired consistency.

The Trip Begins

PTL for our minivan! It really was an answer to prayer! You can ask us how sometime, if you want! Our van is packed full--lots of Simon stuff, lots of support trip stuff. To the right you can see the ultimate missionary baggage: a display table.

One night we were driving and I was talking to Kellie H. on the phone. Matt pulled over to reposition our display table, as it kept moving around. I told Kellie that Matt was repositioning a table. She said, "Oh, your display table!" I didn't even know it was called a display table until then! I think I played it off, like I knew. Ah, but now she reads this and I am exposed for the new missionary that I am! In all seriousness, Kellie said those two words 'display table' with such familiarity and normalcy that it was memorable as such.

This is the 1st of 10 blog posts from our trip. You are FOREWARNED, yet ENCOURAGED to read on.

Former Homestead

Out by the marina where we used to live. We stopped by on our way out of town on 30. Matt is sporting some sunglasses we found in our van. If they're yours, let us know and we'll return them!

We had an adventure before we left. Well, with last month's hot water heater 'exploding' experience, we decided to turn off our water before we left town. Heads up, this is always a good idea. My grandparents in SC had their downstairs partially flooded once when they were gone for a few days to the beach. Some waterhose on the washing machine malfunctioned. Matt's parents had a similar experience with a hot water heater once that left behind some damage. We were blessed in that I was home, but still a lot of damage can happen in 20 minutes. We had 2 inches in the garage and 1 inch in our front room. It was funny (in retrospect) to see Matt pulling up at the front of our hose and kind of panicking when he saw water coming out our front door. He kept running around saying, 'where do you turn the water off?'

So, learn from us, turn off your water before you leave for vacation and know how to turn off the water supply to your house. (Matt ended up turning off the supply to the hot water heater. We now know that we would have to turn off the water in front of our house by the street. But you need a special 'key' and something like a wrench to turn it with. We now have a key/turner all in one from Home Depot. LEARN FROM US!

Oh, our adventure included Matt getting REALLY dirty from turning off the water when we were leaving. He had to go back and turn on the water so he could clean up. And then turn it off again.

Oh, the plumber told us to always turn off the breaker to the hot water heater BEFORE you turn off the water supply. Otherwise, you might have your hot water heater heating when there is no water in it and that is REALLY a bad idea for some reason or another!

Simon Sleeps Across Arkansas

When I look at this pix, I can't help put want to go and wake Simon up from his nap so I can hold him!

Yesterday, about 15 min. before we needed to leave for church, I heard Simon screaming in the kitchen where he was eating breakfast with his daddy. He had fallen out of a chair and the chair had fallen on his big toe. (What is it with Simon and toe injuries?) I won't include too many details for those who are squemish, but it was really hard to see Simon in so much pain. That would hurt an adult, much worse a child. We had lots of bleeding and we still don't know if he'll keep the nail. We didn't make it to church. I held Simon as Matt used an ice pack to help with the swelling. Our gauze came in handy once again. Simon can't wear shoes because it would hurt his toe. Maybe tomorrow we'll try shoes. I don't know if they'll fit with all that gauze we're using.

We wanted to go to church and see Baby Alex dedicated! We have been able to visit with Kelly, Corey, Alex, and with our grandparents from Cartersville this weekend. It is so nice to have family gatherings.

We went by the pharmacy yesterday to get neosporin. The pharmacist showed us a new product: Neosporin with Pain Reliever (numbing) agent! Awesome. Perfect for this particular need.

Informal College Reunion

College friends. The one you don't recognize (if you are old school Bryan College) is with Melissa. Thumbs up, for him, as he has good taste in company (Melissa and Simon, his playmate!) It was SO NICE to chat, visit, and see everyone! We were also able to share about the ministry that we are involved with at Gospel for Asia and that is so much a part of who we are now.

I think we need to plan a reunion each time we get to go to Ringgold! Not pictured is David R. and Alan W. Evan came after everyone had left. But we had a good visit with him til about midnight when he drove home. The next day, he drove up to Cartersville and we got to see him again! There is a pix of Evan (who looks like Andrew N. now) and Simon.

Seeing everyone made me miss those I couldn't see (Kellie, Nikki, Maza...)

Park

You are now reading the 5th of 10 blog posts from our trip.

Matt's mom, Sandy, was telling me about a friend of her's who has a son who is really into Tommy Trains. The child is approximately 3 years old. Apparently, he recently got some sort of Tommy Train set for a gift and literally threw up in excitement when he saw it. He also couldn't sleep that night for fear it wouldn't be there when he woke up.

Well, Simon doesn't know about Tommy Trains yet. But he was SO EXCITED a couple of days ago when I opened a big, multipack of toilet paper for him to put on the closet shelf. I had saved this 'chore' for him, knowing he likes to put each roll on a shelf. Also, we're trying to make 'helping' a normal part of life so that when he is old enough to really help he hopefully won't be too surprised! Well, I made a good choice, because he just shrieked with excitement, clapped his hands, and pranced around on his little feet. I hope he gets this excited about taking out the garbage when he's big enough!

We had a fire the other night--one of those duraflame logs. Very domestic, I know. Simon kept bringing Matt dead leaves from our ivy plant to add to the fire. It was funny watching both of 'my boys' just kneeling at the fire and staring. Matt kept sending Simon on errands to pick up those leaves. Then, after Simon went to bed, Matt was looking for more stuff to burn. I had a magazine out for recycling. Yep, you guessed it. Burned to a crisp. Then, our large stack of things to be shredded suddenly became fuel to heat our home. I was a little worried, because our family photo albums are kept right next to the fireplace. Luckily, Matt didn't resort to using those as fuel!

Detour Ahead

We made a slight detour as we drove 'home' to Ringgold one afternoon.

We actually took the advice of SO MANY roadside signs beckoning us to SEE RUBY FALLS. Well, we didn't have time nor the desire to see it, but we wanted to have our pix made right outside it. Yes, this place does exist; it's not a Southern legend. I've never been there; I think Matt has. Everyone says its not worth the money, that it's just a cave with 'waterfalls' on which they shine a red flourescent light. I don't know if that's true.

Pix on the Left: Yes, the Basket Queen outside a Basket Shed--my true castle. I am a basket case.

Pix on the Right: Matt and Amy prove that Ruby Falls does exist. I am married to the best man on earth! Hopefully, others married feel the same way (not about Matt...but you get my point.)

Display Table Active

This is taken Sunday evening during the last event of Woodland Park's Mission's Conference. The speakers were Rob and Barbara Cline with HCJB radio. We had the chance throughout the weekend to get to know other missionaries--both foreign and stateside.
Our support trip was a blessing in many ways. Thanks to everyone who gets our newsletter and was praying for us.
That morning in Sunday school, we shared in the college/career class. That was really a good group to share with--attentive and open to being challenged (70ish in attendance). Matt shared his testimony and how the Lord called us to missions, I shared about how they could be involved in reaching the unreached now through active prayer and involvement, and then Matt ended with a powerpoint that had pix from here of the office and pix from the field. We had several copies of Revoltion in World Missions, but they were all gone after Sunday School, as were the Road to Reality brochures and info. on IT internships. Many of the young adults came by the display table that night to chat. Some had already started reading the book!
Funny story: Most display tables have 'free' stuff of some sort that they hand out...mostly just brochures and the like. At one point in the evening, a sweet girl came up to me and inquired if our pens were 'free.' We had 4 pens being used to fill out cards to receive the free book. Smiling, I had to tell her that all we had were free books. At least she didn't ask for the laptop!

FREESTYLE JUMPING

This is Matt jumping.
Do you see the brick landing in the lower left corner?
From what I understand, there was once a wood deck over there until Matt broke it with his body and his skateboard in an unplanned landing.
From freestyle skating to freestyle jumping.
The truly hilarious thing, though, is FREESTYLE WALKING.
You'd have to see it to believe it.

Almost a Family Photo

Cracker Barrell Pros:
The store!
Complimentary gift wrapping.
Blueberry Pancakes.
Coffee.
Audio books available to rent and return to any Cracker Barrell
About the pix: Matt's mom is taking picture.
In pix: Papa, Uncle Owie (that's how Simon says it), us

Voyage Ends

These pictures were taken during the last 30 minutes of our trip.
About the pix...
Simon was either out of it or seriously faking something. We were cracking up at him the last 30 min. or so of the 15 hour trip! He was so mellow. We noticed on the trip that he sometimes preferred having a blanket over his seat all the way to the seat in front of him. He would go 'in and out' at will. It was so funny. I would peek in on him and he would just be sitting there, completely mellow. Just chilling like his daddy or his papa or his uncle owie.

I included the pix so you could see the different stages of alertness.

The return trip home was an adventure. Although we drove the whole trek in one day (compared to two days on the way there as we had stopped midway to visit overnite with the Humble family), it was so much easier! The secret was preparation--leaving at 3 a.m. Texas time so that Simon could sleep some of the van hours away. That sort of worked. Stopping for breakfast at Chick-fil-A and letting Simon play on the playground versus getting drive thru. Lunch was Subway to go and then finding a park to eat/play in. That made all the difference. Plus, we weren't stingy with letting him watch videos. At one point, on the return trip, he watched 3 of his movies in a row. (They are only 30 min. each.) Also, we think giving him fresh fruit instead of Teddy Grahams helped his mood. He also liked having a fresh supply of new books to look at.