Proverbs 31:10 “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” (King James)

God has blessed me with two friends who are such blessings. I have recently had a paradigm shift in the way my career and my household work together. The messages I was receiving through thought and prayer from God and the Holy Spirit (no, no Pentecostal stuff where the Spirit takes over my body or God speaks directly to me) were quite clear on what I needed to do, but I needed to talk with some people to make sure I was on the “correct path” in my thinking.

I didn’t tell everyone what was going on, but out of about 6 people that I thought would communicate with me and give me sound advice (not agree with me, pity me, nor be a “yes” person) two people helped me. I think if I would have been “distraught and wailing” that maybe all six would have helped, but maybe not. I have learned exactly whom I can trust and confide in. I needed God to show me this, and I am amazed at His guidance. One person whom I thought would give me at least 5 minutes hasn’t helped at all, and one person finally called me after I asked several times. It’s okay, they’re still friends, and I hope and pray that God blesses them continuously.

Now, Jeannie Smith and Claire Lane, the love and respect I have for you two has grown and blossomed in my heart. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your love, soothing words and advice. You both have such busy schedules, but you took time for me on several occasions, and I am, indeed, so grateful. You two are “RUBIES” in the jewels of friendship. I love and appreciate you both.

God bless you both and your families.

Christmas 2010

Here is our house on Christmas Day 2010. I hope and pray all of you have a blessed Christmas 2011 this year no matter where you are.

Please always keep Christ in Christmas. With lots of Love, Haven

The Nativity: Our Yard 2010

Friday Morning was spent watching the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes! As usual, the ladies did an EXCELLENT performance. I am still amazed at the Christmas Story: the birth of Jesus Christ where they present the live Nativity.

We got to have our pictures made with both Santa Claus and a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. Ammon and Carter were great spectators!

Corfu, Greece

This was our second time in Corfu, Greece. Like Dubrovnik, we’ve only seen it in the autumn. However, I believe that Corfu must be at its most attractive during the summer.

Two years ago, we took a tour of the island, and we saw an Orthodox monastery, downtown Corfu, and the Achillion Palace. The palace was built by the Empress Elizabeth of the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the latter part of the 19^th century.

This time we decided to spend time shopping since we had such little time to shop in 2009. We also took a “train ride” around the city where some archaeological reconstruction is going on. The ruins are from the 4^th Century before Christ.

All aboard the Corfu Express!!

Corfu ruins

Carter, Ammon, & Haven sailing away from Corfu

Pumpkin Spice Cookies: November 22, 2011

The first thing I cooked all by myself was my mother’s birthday cake in 1976. I was 10, and she was turning 36. I have loved cooking ever since. On the evening (Tuesday November 22, 2011) of this photo, Carter, Ammon and I had started mixing the ingredients together, but Ammon became bored and went to play in the living room with Daddy S. When I had the “presence of mind” to get the camera, Ammon wasn’t interested in dropping the cookie dough onto the baking pan.

I haven’t baked too much with Carter and Ammon because it would mostly be cookies, cakes, and pies …things my fat and I do not need. However, I want them to enjoy the kitchen and learn how to bake and cook, so especially during the holidays, we will bake. I want my children to start making cookies and MAKING MEMORIES they can hold and cherish in their hearts forever.

Veteran’s Day

Silence is golden, this silent commercial for our veterans
is golden, and our veterans are golden. Happy Friday, and Happy Veteran’s Day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZtPqWIPv6Q

Carter and Ammon's 3rd Birthday Party

Ammon and Carter’s birthday party on Saturday (11-5-2011)
was so wonderful. We had a great day with our family: Uncle Tony, Aunt Karen,
Cousin Alusha, Aunt Merrill, Nana, and Mamaw were here at the house. We had a
splendid time with cake and presents.

Thank you all for keeping up on this blog with Carter and
Ammon’s birthdays along with all your “well-wishes” and prayers. We are so
blessed to have all of you in our lives. Enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed
the day. Happy Monday, everyone.

Themes: Cinderella (Princesses) & Spiderman

Candles are out, and we're ready to cut the cakes!

Once again, Jesus, the center of our home, the center of our

daily thanksgiving, and the center of our beautiful, upcoming holiday

Thanksgiving.

I know I am a few days late, but “Happy November!”: Our

nation’s month to focus on thanksgiving and gratitude. Haven, Ammon, and Carter

Ammon and Carter had a great Halloween Party at school on Thursday. They had a parade in their costumes then a party. Jeanne Ann Hartzog (Jillian’s mother) and I were the co-hosts of the party. It went well: They had snacks and made their own masks with Halloween stickers.

Noah Cate, Jillian Hartzog, Shefaan Dhanani, Sofia Melendez, & Sophia Volz

Ammon, Carter, & Mrs. Paula

Gotta love a Friday! Yeeeeeeee haaaaaaaaa!

Oh, man! I wish the frost would hurry and get here so it
would kill my grass! LOL It’s the only chore outside I have left to do before
the trip, and I doubt very seriously that the 13 acres will be mowed. While we’re
gone, our house sitter helps clean house, feed the dogs, and do a few things
outside (cutting grass NOT INCLUDED!) ;o) Oh, me…but I digress

It’s been a busy but enjoyable week, and it’s Friday. Once again,
Carter and Ammon spent a day and a half with Mamaw and Aunt Karen. They
returned late Thursday afternoon. They like Fridays as well. Sean will finish
up at work today, and we will be “out and about” buying the last few things we
need for the trip.

I know it’s just our culture that causes us to work Monday
through Friday with most of us having the weekend off, but I wonder if the
other days ever get jealous of how people prefer Fridays? ;o) Happy Friday
everyone!