Hello Again!

Dear Friends,

It has been awhile since I posted, due to computer hassles again. :( We have just recieved our laptop back from the technician. So now to try and update you on several events of the last month!

:: My dear hubby turned 23 on July 15. We had a small celebration for him, with a few friends and family at a local church building. ::

:: Joshua started talking more...saying things like "share", "roll", "shut the door", "throw the ball", "Millie" (our cat), "hello, "Jonno", "ute", "see you", "I wuv you", "couch", "fridge"... and you get the general idea! He gives most words a go nowadays. He might not pronounce it right, straight away but he certainly manages little conversations with us! I really enjoy having him more verbal. It makes things so much easier. Even though he tends to ask "what's that?" a lot! ::

:: I had a deliciously unusual reading spree for a week or two. Unusual in the sense that while I love reading, I don't often get/make a chance. So it was very enjoyable to read a few pages before bed, each night. I should make it happen more often! I indulged in reading some light material in the form of "Little Britches" and "Man of the House" by Ralph Moody. Then "Prudence Winterburn" by Rosa N. Carey. I also continued reading through "The Duties of Parents"by Jacobus Koelman, which is a most challenging book.

:: We spent an evening at Sean and Cassandra's. Tim and Fiona were also invited  and arrived with a card game. After the children were settled in bed, we played "PHASE 10" for a couple of hours. It was a lot of fun and recommended playing. ::  

:: We visited our friend, Peter in his new abode. He was an excellent host and cooked us a very tasty dinner and dessert. Time flew by and suddenly we realised it was time to leave...a very late but fun night. ::




:: We attended the funeral of a little 3 year old boy, Zach, which was very sad. It is so comforting to have the Lord God to trust in completely. It was encouraging to see the parents of this little boy, putting their faith in the Lord, through this very difficult time. They also have two young daughters. It would be good if you could pray for them all. (Simeon & Sarah, Nadia & Aimee) ::


:: On July 16, littlest man turned 1 year old! Jonathan has grown up so much in the last month and is learning new things every few days. Within one week, he went from crawling to toddling; and now he is walking everywhere and climbing on things. He loves to follow Joshua and is already copying him. He loves rough and tumbles with his Daddy and brother. He enjoys cuddles with his Mama. He makes a dash for the door if it is left open and delights in being outdoors. I love him so much!


:: I have discovered a yummy "Tangy Lemon Slice" recipe, thanks to sister-in-law, Beck! I have made it a couple of times now, and it is a new favourite. ::


:: We spent two nights with Bede & Jemima, and their 3 boys. What fun it was! We had a wonderful time together. The four boys spent all their time playing in the cubby, on their bikes, and in the sand pit etc. Reuben - being a little younger - placidly lay in his rocker, smiling at anyone who walked by. He is a very happy baby! On the Saturday, we went to the Zoo. Bede and Jemima had several guest passes, which meant we could all go for free. Such beautiful weather, made it very pleasant. ::

:: I have planted many 'Sweet Pea'' seeds. The shoots have now made it up through the soil and are pushing steadily up towards the sky. I'm looking forward to the flowers.::

:: I adore the weather we have been having. Though I'll admit I have been finding these frosty mornings COLD to say the least. But after about 10:30am, the sun's rays begin to warm things up a little. I always develop cravings in this sort of weather. Cravings for 'more outdoor time''. Cravings for dirt roads, green pastures, sun, blue skies, fresh air, and gentle breezes. Sadly I can't spend all my time outside, but I do enjoy hanging up the washing and playing with the boys. As spring approaches, I would like to begin walking more too. ::

:: The other night as I was just drifting off to sleep...which by the way, doesn't take me very long nowadays {I even fall asleep if I sit still for too long!} the phone rang. We both jumped up and tried to get our bearings. Who could be ringing at this time of night?" we asked. It was Luke, my brother-in-law, announcing the birth of their first child. A boy - NATHAN JOHN. 7 lbs 5 oz. So glad to hear the good news that I didn't mind being woken up. But truth be told, it did take me longer to get to sleep after I heard, because I was thinking about the precious joy children are, and remembering the births of our two boys. Children are a gift from the Lord!

:: Last night I actually got to hold my newest nephew. Luke and Kylie came by for a visit, after a trip to the birth centre for a baby checkup. I couldn't believe how small Nathan was. Jonathan looks like a big boy in comparison to this newborn! ::

:: Well, many other things have happened also, but for now they have flown my mind. I plan to post some photos 'next door' on my private blog soon. But this is all for today, along with a quote from J. R. Miller. ::

Love to all, Beth

MISINTERPRETATION

'Life is full of misinterpretations. Many of us have wrong opinions of others. We think they do not care for us when they really do. We imagine they are angry at us when there is not a shade of unkind feeling in their heart. We misinterpret their acts. Many a time things that offend us, if we but understood the motive that prompted them and the true love that is in them, would really appear beautiful in our eyes. We ought to guard continually against these misinterpretations. They do wrong to others. They rob our own hearts of peace. "Love thinketh no evil." Let us be sure always that we see an act in its proper light.'

~ J. R. Miller ~

~ All pictures are courtesy of Google Images ~