Blogger Challenge Day 16: Dream House

I love many different kinds of houses. I can’t help but swoon and sigh when I see a log home, a beautiful farmhouse, or a cozy and attractive little cottage. Yet I can’t really say that I would have one “dream house” because a house doesn’t satisfy me. A beautiful home that is empty means nothing to me. A dream house would be a house where I can be surrounded by friends and family.

I want my future home to have open doors to anyone and everyone. I don’t want it to simply be a retreat for me and my immediate family. I want it to be a place of ministry, where we can reach out and encourage others, and ourselves be sharpened by the fellowship.

Whether my house one day is a huge old farmhouse out in the country, a log home in the woods, a small brick dwelling in the mountains of Haiti, or a mud and stick hut in Uganda, I will be content. Any dwelling place can be a dream house for me because it only needs one thing: Jesus!

Anniversary Getaway

~ posted by Betsy

 

While Mom and Dad were visiting from Ohio recently, Mark and I celebrated our anniversary a little early, with an overnight getaway in town. The children were happy to have their grandparents to themselves for a night…and Mark and I were delighted to have some one-on-one time with each other!



My hubby had arranged an overnight stay for the two of us at a local country club. Getting to the room was a novel experience…when we stepped off the elevator, ours was the only room on that floor. Pretty cozy feeling! J

We were pleasantly surprised—and quite touched—to learn that Mark’s boss insisted on paying for our stay, on their corporate account. He is such a generous employer!



A view of the swimming pools. Not too many people were braving the cool water that day, but there were a few hardy souls!

 


We took a stroll around the main floor, and found a hallway lined with gorgeous Egyptian art. This one was called “Victorious Hunt,” and depicts King Tut returning from a successful hunt in his chariot. It was reproduced from scenes found on actual chariots within the tomb. What amazed me was how the artist encrusted the painting with 24k gold leaf and over 3,500 gemstones, including amethyst, turquoise, golden garnet, citrine, and more!



Tutankhamun himself, depicted on his coffin. This amazing representation is also covered with 24k gold leaf and encrusted with 9,500 stones, including ruby, emerald, opal, turquoise, garnet, coral, chalcedony, amethyst…the list goes on. The estimated gemstone weight of this painting was 47,500 carets!

Mark finally dragged me away from the Egyptians long enough to enjoy another work of art. J This beautiful Great Pyrenees was one of about 100 such dogs strolling proudly around the club that day, preparing for a dog show. He was only months old, and almost 100 pounds already!

By now, it was time to get changed for dinner. Knowing my love for delicious cuisine and atmosphere, my hubby had made reservations at a downtown restaurant known for amazing food!

All dressed up, and somewhere terrific to go! J



First course was arancini with white truffle oil, served with marinara sauce. If you love Italian, this is for you!



This second course salad was an absolute work of art! Tomato and fresh mozzarella, with sliced red onion, fresh basil leaves, and a ring of balsamic vinegar for dipping.



We had a hard time narrowing down our main entrée, so we opted to split. I ordered the stuffed gulf snapper with beurre blanc and haricot verts. (*Funny story: I had to ask the waiter what in the world “haricot verts” were! They are green beans! J)

Mark ordered blackened redfish over wild rice with Creole cream sauce. I think his was even tastier than mine!

* Just a side note…we don’t always eat like this! For the most part, our everyday meals are pretty basic fare. But once in awhile, it’s a real joy to pull out all the cuisine stops!*

 

Mark finished the meal with their delicious coconut cream pie…but I had to pass on dessert. I’d had quite enough!



A wonderful night with my best friend, celebrating 24 years of marriage!

That evening, we spent a little while listening to live music back at the country club. My pictures turned out too dark, but it was fun watching some of the couples dance to music from the 70’s, and Frank Sinatra favorites, and other tunes. One couple in particular obviously had some professional dance training…they just flowed seamlessly together over the dance floor, perfectly in sync with one another.

 

Next morning, we enjoyed a country-style breakfast at a locally-owned waffle house, then spent a leisurely day browsing through antique stores, exploring a downtown gun shop, and looking at Amish-made furniture. We made our way home mid-afternoon, and rejoined the rest of the family for dinner at our favorite BBQ place that night.

 

I’m so thankful for the wonderful, thoughtful, amazing husband that God has so graciously gifted me with…and I’m thrilled to have made more memories with him on this little anniversary getaway!

 

Creation Gifts

~ posted by Betsy ~

 

“And God saw every thing that he had made,

and, behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31a)

 

~ crimson sky, awakening above hushed green earth ~

 

~ grasses swishing, kissed softly by a breeze ~

 

~ dance of yellow butterflies twirling above my head ~

 

~ flash of blue bird, swooping home to its nest ~

 

~ wildflower carpets of blue, red, and blush pink ~

 

~ bovine, sleek black and shiny, gazing at me as I walk ~

 

~ frisky foal, nuzzling for a sweet carrot ~

 

~ aroma of cinnamon earth after a gentle rain ~

 

~ golden setting sun, leaving trails of light across a quiet lake ~

 

~ giant orange saucer moon, surprising me in spring ~

 

 

(Inspired by Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts)

 

My Grandma

~Posted by Roma (tribute written to share at the funeral)

Dear Grandma,

I really don’t even know where to begin. At a time like this, I’m just lost for words. I’m grieved that you will not be able to read this, and this is the last letter I will write to you, but I’m overjoyed and full of peace knowing that soon I will talk to you face to face—which is even better than mailing letters! A few days ago, I was reading Revelation chapter 4--reading about the throne of God, with thousands times 10 thousands of angels, and creatures with eyes all over them, and elders and jasper and ruby and gold crowns and rainbows--and it is taking so long to sink into my mind that you are actually AT that place. And that you will be there . . . Forever. I can’t even fathom forever. A celebration that never ever ends, like a circle that has NO END. And the 1^st thing that came into my mind when Daddy told me you had passed, was that you and Grandpa were together once again. I could never be so happy.

I am so grateful for the memories that I have of you—and Grandpa—that the Lord gave me. Your love for birds, and sitting in your screened-in porch watching them quietly. You loved to socialize with people, and enjoyed every one of our visits. You and Grandpa even came to our house sometimes. You loved to share with us so many stories of your past and when my Dad was a kid—and your cat, TC. J You made some of the best PEACH COBBLER ever, and loved REAL hugs, not “fishy hugs”—that’s what you called them.

I will miss you, Grandma. I know I don’t have to say goodbye to you forever, but it may be awhile, unless Jesus’ 2^nd coming happens—it could be tomorrow. I’m ready for it, for that day. You are so special, Grandma. I love you.

Your beloved Granddaughter,

Roma

Senior Pictures

A couple of weeks ago, I finally had my Senior pictures taken! I had anxiously awaited that day for a few years. J I had some photographers mentally lined up when we lived in Michigan, but when we moved, that all changed. So I was grateful to find out that our Worship Pastor’s wife is a photographer. I appreciate it when I can support people that I know, and other Christians as well.

Thankfully, the day of my pictures dawned sunny and relatively clear. Storms were forecasted for later that night, but we looked clear to do a couple of hours of shooting around dinner time.

We started off shooting in front of an old barn. I love old-looking anything!

Photo Credit: Roma.

Then I changed into my “graduation dress” and we shot in front of train tracks by an old granary. The lighting was just perfect at this hour for some great sunset photos.

Photo Credit: Roma.

Next I changed into a much more formal outfit, and we shot in front of an extremely dilapidated building that had bricks and ivy on the exterior. We were losing so much light, but I am amazed what the right camera and artificial lighting can do!

Photo Credit: Roma.

My face hurt *so bad* after 2 hours of smiling! But I am really looking forward to getting the pictures back, and I had so much fun with our photographer and her husband!

Texas Picture: April

Texas is known for its state flower, the Blue Bonnet. In early April, these little wildflowers begin to bloom. They create carpets in open fields and along freeways. Everyone takes time to find a field of flowers and take portraits. So if you want to see beautiful blue carpets of flowers, Texas is the place to be. J

Bye to Abuela and Abuelo

Thursday was a sad day for us, as it was the day my Abuela and Abuelo were scheduled to leave. L We had such an enjoyable week with them, but it flew by far too quickly!

We left for the airport shortly after breakfast. Everyone came except for Dad who was at work, and Ben who so kindly stayed at home since there weren’t enough seats in the car. Our trip was uneventful (thankfully) and we made it to the airport in plenty of time.

We went as far as we could with my Grandparents and said our goodbyes and took a few last pictures.

We miss you so much!

After they left, we headed for home. On our way, we stopped at Taco Casa and Starbucks to get some lunch. We arrived home to find out that their flight had been delayed due to bad weather between Texas and Ohio. It was scheduled to leave later that afternoon.

We got another call later to say that their flight had been delayed again. This time it wasn’t leaving until 9-something in the morning! The airline put them up in a hotel for the night, gave them some meal vouchers, and returned their luggage.

The next morning around 9 a.m. we get a call from them again. Their flight was delayed AGAIN!! Later that afternoon, they FINALLY flew down to Houston, and then caught a connection up to Ohio. They made it home pretty late that night. We felt so bad that they had so many delays, but it seems that Texas just didn’t want to let go of them. J

We had such a great week with them, and we look forward to their next visit!

Around Town

We did a lot of bustling around town last Wednesday! My Abuela brought all of our birthday gifts with her this trip. Some of the kids needed to exchange clothes, so we all (except my Abuelo who opted to stay home instead of shop J) went into town together.

Our first stop was actually at a Western store. We wanted to give my Abuela a chance to look at real cowboy boots and Western-style clothing. After browsing there for awhile, we went over to J.C. Penney to exchange the clothes we had brought. That ended up taking a bit longer than we were expecting because some people wanted to go shoe-shopping. J

By the time we got out of there, it was lunch time and we kids loathed the thought of shopping at Wal-Mart on empty stomachs. So Mom took us all out to Chick-fil-A which made for very happy kids. J

After our trip to Wal-Mart, we finally headed home.

When we got back, my Abuela and the twins planted some blue bonnets in our yard. Hopefully they will grow and spread so that we can have our own carpet of flowers every spring!

Photo Credit: Roma.

That evening we had a repeat of our April Fool’s Day dinner (sweet pea mock-a-mole pictured above.) They got quite a kick out of it!

We were so disappointed that our visit was drawing to a close. L But we had such a wonderful week together and had the opportunity to do so many fun things!

To be continued . . .

Small-Town Fun

Last Tuesday we had a very fun day with my Grandparents! They were about to get a taste of our small southern town. . .

Tuesday morning my Abuela made us all a delicious breakfast of spinach, cheese, and ham omelets, with Italian bread and fruit. After we had cleaned up the dishes, almost all of us went on a walk to get some exercise. When we got home, we freshened up and got ready to go into our little town for a special treat . . .

. . . a trip to the old-fashioned soda fountain! We all enjoyed our treats which included root beer floats, vanilla and chocolate malts, peach milkshakes, and strawberry sodas.

We browsed inside the store where the soda fountain is located. We were going to take my Grandparents into the antiques and firearms store next door, but they are closed on Tuesdays. So we drove them around our tiny little town and showed them the sights. J

One of our stops was at a local butcher shop. We placed an order for one of their freezer specials, piled back into our two cars, and headed home. Unfortunately there was a little mix-up. When we arrived home, we saw a message on the answering machine. It was from the girl at the meat market. We had left Josiah there!! The poor kid went to the bathroom just before we left, and since we were driving two cars, both drivers thought the other had him. Thankfully we don’t live far from town, so Mom raced over there to pick him up. We felt horrible, but he was pretty brave about it all. For the rest of the week while we traveled around, the number 1 question asked was “Is Josiah in the car?” J (I’ll bet you can sympathize with Josiah, Uncle Paul. J)

Around 5:00 p.m. we left the house yet again to go pick Dad up from work (he carpooled this week since we needed the cars to go on our daily outings.) After we picked him up, we headed to the catfish restaurant where we were going to have dinner.

We had onion petals and stuffed jalapenos for our appetizer. For dinner, most all of us got the catfish. I had mine fried, with old fashioned ham and potato salad, black eyed peas, and hush puppies (pictured above.) I didn’t even eat half of the meal, it was so filling!

In our area of Texas, there is a lake and dam that we wanted to show my Grandparents. We were going to take them there Wednesday, but since we were already close, we thought we’d go ahead and go up there since it was such a beautiful evening.

I had never been to the lake or the dam before, but it was quite beautiful! I look forward to coming here in a few months to spend a day at the beach.

Of course, my siblings and I couldn’t stay out of the water, cold as it was. J

Photo Credit: Betsy.

Beautiful sunset view from the dam.

This time of year, the blue bonnets are in profuse bloom. Near the dam, there are literally fields full of blue bonnets that are absolutely gorgeous! We had to stop and see them and take a few pictures.

Photo Credit: Betsy.

We made it home pretty late that night, but it was well worth it for all the fun we had!

To be continued . . .

Value

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Matthew 6:26

My Grandma

~Posted by Rubia (tribute written to share at the funeral)

My last words to Grandma ~ February 2013

Dear Grandma,

This letter is difficult for me to write. Mainly because these are my last words to you. Your passing was so soon after Grandpa’s, but it was all in the Lord’s timing. When I was little, my Dad used to tell me that it was important that I cherish every given moment that I had with you. So even though you are now gone, I am so grateful for all the sweet memories of visiting you at your home in the Old Orchard neighborhood, and at the nursing home, where you spent the last year of your life. I will miss your southern hospitality, your warm hugs, seeing you sitting at the other end of the table winking at me or twitching your nose at me, having you tickle me every time I tried to stretch my arms. J I will miss your sparkling blue eyes, and talking with you out on the back porch while watching the birds. I will miss the times that our whole family went out to the Bavarian Inn, or went to the Waldameer park. I will miss everything about you and all that I used to do with you.

To be honest, Grandma, growing up I wasn’t always so sure whether you really knew the Lord. But I had talked with my parents, and now I know for sure that you really are a child of God and that now you are with Him forever. And you are with Grandpa. I was pleased to see your Bible at the house quite well marked, and also a Bible in your room at the nursing home that I believe you had been reading while you were still able.

Grandma, I want to tell you that I am honored to have been named after you. And I appreciate your example that you set for us all. I love you so much. You and Grandpa were the best Grandparents that I could ever hope to have.

I am grateful for the blessed hope that I have in Jesus. Because of Him, I will see you and Grandpa again someday. I am so looking forward to that day, when we are all reunited to Christ because we accepted the gift of salvation that He has given us. I can’t imagine how happy and free you must be at this moment.

I love you, Grandma. Until we meet again.

Day at the Zoo

Monday morning dawned bright and warm here in Texas. We were thankful because we had plans to spend the day outdoors at a nearby zoo!

We left our house right after breakfast so we could make it to the zoo by 10:30 a.m. Why that time? We were going to participate in the public giraffe feeding! Every morning, guests have an opportunity to feed the giraffe and get a picture with it.

We had never been to this zoo before. It was small, but well done with lots of interesting animals.

We had to wait about 20 minutes in line before we could feed the giraffe. But it was worth the wait! It was a lot of fun to get up so close to the wildlife.

There were actually a lot of stations throughout the zoo where you could feed the animals. Josiah especially enjoyed that. J

Photo Credit: Roma.

It only took us about an hour and a half to go through the whole zoo. Which was good because we were getting quite thirsty as the temperatures rose!

Photo Credit: Betsy.

My lovely Abuelo and Abuela in the bamboo tunnel.

After leaving the zoo, we went down the street to Wendy’s for some lunch.

On our way home we had to make a few stops in town. We made it home by early afternoon and enjoyed some relaxation before dinner.

Mom made delicious garlic chicken with salad and rolls. For dessert we had fresh pineapple, with strawberry cheesecake cookies.

That evening, my Abuela and Abuela wanted to have a little dedication ceremony for our new house. They anointed all of us, as well as the entryways of our house, with oil, and prayed over us.

Our week was flying by so fast! We had some more fun things planned for Tuesday . . .

To be continued . . .

Trip to Dallas

This past Sunday morning found us all up bright and early to make sure we left for church on time (it always takes a little longer with more people.) We were so excited to bring my Grandparents to our new church and introduce them to all our friends there. They really loved it!

 

But we only stayed for one service, because we had a special day planned to celebrate my Grandparents 51^st wedding anniversary. We went home, ate a quick lunch, and then started driving towards Dallas.

 

We were going to visit Southfork Ranch! When my Mom and Dad were dating, they used to have “Dallas and Donut” nights. Every Friday night, they would all get together at my Grandparents’ house with good donuts and watch the TV show “Dallas” which was partially filmed at Southfork Ranch (we learned that all the outdoor scenes were shot there, but they had a soundstage to film the interior scenes.) While they wouldn’t watch the show anymore, it was still fun to go and see the beautiful ranch!



I loved the tree-lined driveway!

When we arrived, we went into the main entry building which had a gift shop and small museum in it. We browsed a bit while we waited for our guided tour to start.



We all climbed aboard the little tractor-train to ride over to the mansion. On our way, the driver talked about the grounds a bit.

The back of the mansion.

When we arrived at the mansion, we went inside what used to be the garage. The tour guide gave us a brief history of the mansion and the TV show, and told us about some of the things we would see inside the house.

 

The house was beautiful! I loved the back porch/patio/pool area.

 

The dining room in the mansion. I wish our table was this big!

My siblings and me with my Grandparents in front of the mansion.

Mom and Dad with Abuela and Abuelo.

After touring the house, we walked over the grounds and viewed some of the livestock. Now that there is a bull I wouldn’t want to mess with! J

Daddy in front of the Lincoln that used to be on the show.

We stopped in the gift store again on our way out (some folks in the family love to shop. I am not one of them. J) We were getting hungry, and everyone was looking forward to the dinner we had planned . . .



We went to Pappasitos in Dallas! We had gone to a Pappasitos in Houston the week prior, and decided that it was the best Mexican food we’ve had outside of Mexico (and several of us have actually been, just so you know. J) My Grandparents heartily agreed, and we had a fabulous meal.

 

Since it was their anniversary, our waiter had my Grandparents stand up and he announced to the whole restaurant that we were celebrating. J I hope that one day I’ll be able to say I was married as long as they have been!

Since it was a special day, we had to get some dessert. Dad and I split this ice cream with sopapillas dessert.

We got home pretty late, but we had to give my Grandparents their card and gift (a limestone cross with a stand.) We had such a good day celebrating a wonderful marriage!