Good bye to Benji

Our outside dog, that started as an inside dog (couldn't get him potty trained), Benji, died yesterday, May 10th. We aren't sure what happened. He was fine yesterday, eating, and jumping up to be petted, and then while I was mowing grass in the morning, I noticed he didn't come out of the barn with Lucy. Thankfully, Shawn took Monday and Tuesday off for Josh's birthday, and he was home. I stopped the mower long enough to tell him something must be wrong with Benji, and when he looked, he said he was just about dead. He was right, within about 20 minutes, he died. He was still a young dog, he was born August 20th, 2006, so he was only 4 yrs and 9 mos. He died the same way the cocker spaniel, Fancy, that my mom had when I was young, died. I think it was heart issues for both. So, good bye Ben.

Happy 6th Birthday, Joshua!

Today Josh is 6. He had a Dr.s appointment this morning to recheck his broken right arm. Both of his bones are healing nicely, 3 more weeks for the cast. We had Reese Peanut Butter Bars and chocolate cake yesterday afternoon(Mother's Day) for him. Shawn took today off to spend with our little man, and to hang drywall. Happy Birthday, Josh. Mommy has to help Daddy hang drywall, so I'll post a few pictures of you and your presents later! We love you!

Very special visits with Dora and other workers!

Our visiting workers.
Sister workers, Dad, and our children.
Mushrooms we found with Dora Mushrooms from side of road compared to my hand.Food line at Dad's!8 workers with our children.


This past weekend was our Special Meeting. As far as I know, every since I have been a newborn, we have went to 2 special meetings, (excluding the year we went to Florida with Ken and Megan), however, due to scheduling issues, we only had 1 this year. That one meeting was like being blessed 10 times over. Such a wonderful meeting, the fellowship and words heavenly. It humbles me to think of sitting in God's presence, who am I?
This year, the worker I was named after was on our special meeting rounds. So special to see Dora G, she hasn't been home to the states since my mother passed away. We had the special blessing of having the 4 sister workers, Dora G., Pat R.(Canada), Grace O'K. and Dorothy L. here for lunch on Friday. Unfortunately, Shawn had to work and missed this visit, I did ask Dad to come up. After lunch, Dora, the boys and I went mushroom hunting. We found 29 or 30. It was a trecherious hunt, climbing straight up steep banks and climbing over large tree trunks, trudging through the mud, but what a sweet 2 hour walk it was! We then had Dora and Grace for Friday supper and the night. We enjoyed a walk with Grace and while gingerly strolling along with Noah, counting 11 discarded pop/water bottles on the side of the road, I found a really nice sized mushroom along the side of our road. I called to Shawn, and he and Zach picked 5 nice sized ones. Those were the easiest mushrooms I ever found, when I wasn't even looking! On Saturday, all 8 workers were invited to lunch at Dad's, and Shawn, myself and the children went up for that. Angie was also there, and of course Dad and Diana(17 in all). I made BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, fried the mushrooms we found the previous day, made my first strawberry, rhubarb pie(which was a hit and delicious if I say so myself!), and a chocolate caramel cake. Another wonderful time was had. Then the meeting on Sunday. We arrived almost 30 minutes before, however, the only seats available was on the front row! We took those seats, and I wouldn't have wanted to sit anywhere else!So much was shared to feed. A few thoughts..,, God would like to strip us of things that would keep us from Heaven.,/ Some would be our friend to have us taken up with them, others would encourage our friendship with God., /God can't show any more steps to us, unless we're willing to take the first step.,/ Sheep is attracted to the light, wolves are afraid of the light and won't come to the light.,/ What do we pour out?.,/ To be a peacemaker, we must have peace within first.,/ Good when people look on our lives and see our actions and reactions, and they see Jesus.,/ How do I buy?. So much more that was living water, but since I already have a wordy post, I will let that be all. Not a good picture of me, but it's a good picture of Dora!