Do You Know "the Mustard Lady"?

"The Mustard Lady"? Who in the world am I talking about?
 I'm talking about ...me. How did I come by that name.
Well, it was an accident. A few years ago, at church
we had our Sunday fellowship meal and I was helping
the Wilkerson children and some others clean off the food
table. I had the mustard, ketchup, and BBQ sauce in my
hands. Thomas was coming out of the kitchen, I was
going in. I held the mustard bottle toward him, acted
like I was going to squirt, and said in a joking voice,
"Watch out for the mustard lady!" Thomas froze, with
a worried look on his face, not sure if I was joking or not.
Then I squeezed the bottle! A little bit of mustard landed on
Thomas' hair!!!!!! I was shocked. I had no idea the bottle was
open! Of course, Annah, Daniel,and James were laughing about
it once they heard what happened, but I was embarrassed and
apologized several times to Thomas (after her wiped his hair) and
 Mrs. Wilkerson. She didn't mind. She thought it was funny.
The name's stuck with me ever since, especially when we're
eating with friends and there's mustard on the table. I don't mind.
It's my nickname, sometimes. Thankfully, people don't use it all
the time. When I made that joke, I had no idea the name would
stay with me!

A birthday gift from friends a couple years ago!

Making Muffins

Last week, I can't remember which day it was, but it was very,
very cold and we weren't expecting it that day, but it snowed.
It was so pretty. A lovely surprise from God. A young couple
we know just had their first baby, so Mom asked if I wanted
to make some blueberry muffins for them and the new mom's
immediate family as part of the meal we were going to make
for them. I had fun. I love to bake. Oh, yes and we had snowcream
that night! Yum!

I borrowed Annah's apron that she made herself!

Chloe

Can I come in now?

I added sprinkles this time.

Homemade snow cream!

Take That Back

Actually I do have something to share. If he was still here, today
would've been Avery Notgrass' 2nd birthday. He isn't here anymore
but we still miss him. This must be a bittersweet day for his family,
but right now little Henry has been sick with a virus and RSV. Poor
little guy. Avery started out with minor things, but they turned into
major. If you could please pray for little Henry Notgrass that he
gets over this quickly and that nothing else bad comes out of it.

Henry's 1st Christmas

Awfully Quiet

I know our blog's been quiet lately, but to be honest, i have
nothing to post about.

Birthday

Saturday, one of our elders, Mr. Ford turned 70-years-old!
Sunday we and the Klein girls surprised him with a cake
and decorations. We wanted to make it humorous because
Mr. Ford is a big teaser. But he seemed touched by it, and
actually cried. The Lord helped us. The Kleins had their part
to do and we had ours. It came together nicely.

Abi, Susanna, & Hannah

Isn't this cute?

Tearing up

When Mr. West leads the singing, it means people have to stand. Then it always means the men go up front to sing.

The Klein family sang, "Seek ye First".

Birthday poster for people to sign.

"The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found 

in the way of righteousness." Proverbs 16:31

New Year's Day

This year we hosted our first annual New Year's Day BBQ at our
home in the afternoon. Dad used to do that alot with his friends before
he and Mom got married. As New Year's Eve of 2012 approached,
we wanted to do something fun where we could have lots of
fellowship to celebrate the new year. Dad had told us about the BBQ
and brought that up while we were on the subject.
We gladly agreed on it.

New Year's Eve, we had a lovely snow and Dad got started on
grilling some of the meat. Mom had a cold and we were trying to
work around the house hoping Mom would get better. But she
didn't rest much.

The weather was pleasant on January 1st, and we had a good
turnout of folks from chapel. It blessed us to see how many
people arrived. Mr. Wilkerson stopped by for a while then brought
the kids later (Mrs. Wilkerson was at home trying to rest).

We had a good time and were glad other people enjoyed themselves.
We didn't get a bunch of games going though. I missed that.

Quite a few people were wondering how Dad could grill BBQ out in
the cold. Uh, the same way you do in the extreme heat, only better
because the air is chilly and the fire keeps you warm.

Beautiful snow on New Year's Eve

Chloe actually likes the snow. Well, most of the time.

Dad grilling

Girls playing with our dolls and doll clothes.

Mr. Ford & Chloe   Chloe got lots of attention that day.

Mr. Dreste & Chloe

Mr. Wilkerson, Hannah, Abi, and Mrs. Baumann

Sammy, Daniel, Zak, & Solomon

That was the quietest game of Mille Bornes I've ever heard!

Tasting Dad's homemade jerky.

This was a surprise. I've never seen Chloe on anyone's lap but mine or Annah's.

Daniel playing guitar

Just as tired as can be.

"...distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality."

Romans 12:13

Christmas Celebrations 2#

This was our family gathering at Aunt Jean's for
Christmas.

Megan & Amanda petting Barkley

Cousins playing together

Annah

George

Adalynn & me

Time to open presents.

Samantha

Other people are using cameras, now I got one too!

Trying to be a big girl.

Mom & Adalynn

Nora clapping for Annah's violin music.

Getting ready to play Pictionary