January 2015

January was a busy month.
But not very busy for my camera.

We celebrated the anniversary of my mother's 27th birthday.
We invited all who could come to show up and surprise her. I was sure me or Rick would let the cat out of the bag - and we both got real close - but she was surprised.
Some friends from work, her brother, two sisters, two brother-in-loves, two daughters, a son-in-love, a nephew, and 8 grandyoung'uns all showed up to show her love.

Mama & Melba, the table, Uncle Larry conversing with Jacob (who made time to converse with everyone), Mama and Aunt Melba again, the kid's end of the table.

After lunch Mama, Aunt Melba and I went shopping. What fun we had!
There's no question who I'm related to.
Then we took Aunt Melba back to Uncle Larry's where her and Uncle Mike stayed that weekend, and ate ice cream and visited. I also know where I get my story telling ability from.
Then I got to bring my Mama home with me.
Blessed. Blessed.

One day the littles and I went to play at the park in Commerce with our Chance. (I don't recall what Ann and I were supposed to be doing or exchanging but we had fun with our little friend).

Babies at the Civil War memorial

You may think that this is a picture of children sitting awkwardly on a bench, but you'd be wrong.
This is a picture of children sailors in a small boat.
That is not my shadow. That is the shadow of an invisible woman.
You stand corrected.

We've done school - unwillingly.

Boys doing their science lesson. We LOVE Apologia - in Lesson 7: Life in the Blood of Anatomy and Physiology they heard/read the gospel, the need for salvation, and a call to believe in Jesus.
Lora used the computer "for real" working on a project.
The littles making bird nest. They are inventive!

I taught at CBS twice. Ladies Toccoa/Lavonia Community Bible Study

My "spare child" is staying home.
This year I began to "tutor" Brent. He was a quiet addition to our little homeschool.
I've been praying for him and his mother all year. That they would draw closer to the Lord. That Brent would be saved. That Melanie would take more interest in his education.
Over Christmas break she got a new job working weekend shift. She was free-er to do stuff with us.
She came over last Thursday evening apologizing for bringing "bad news". But I was delighted.
She has decided to teach him at home! Praise be!
AND she plans to join CBS with him!
I'm still a phone call away and intend to "help" and encourage and drag them along to events with us. But what an answer to prayer! And quick!
Sometimes we want quick answers and have to wait. Sometimes we think the answers will take years and happen in just a few short months.
His timing is amazing!

And our "school" as returned almost to normal - for us. Brent is missed. The quiet is a little quieter.
For the right family/child I'd "tutor" again. If only to see prayers answered.

Happy Groundhog Day! 

General Beauregard Lee, 

confidently standing in the early morning sun, 

declared we only have 6 weeks till Spring!