Jesse Tree Information (For the ABF)

My dear ABF friends, here is your "homework" for next week.

• Talk to your spouse and decide what you want your Jesse tree to look like. Remember it can be a small tree, a branch, posterboard, your regular Christmas tree, a wreath, whatever suits you! There are a few examples of Jesse trees in the link list below.
  
• Please bring what you are going to use with you to ABF next week. For example, if you want to make your ornaments out of felt, please bring the felt and glue with you for our project day. I will make sure we have cardstock copies of what I used in ABF this week as well as crayons and markers, so if that is what you'd like to use to begin your tree, just bring yourself!
  
• Remember, this year could just be a start for your tree. This is a tradition you can add on to easily year by year.
  

Links to more Jesse Tree information and ideas

• Jesse Tree devotions and patterns(these are the symbols and readings I'm providing in ABF) http://www.rca.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=1628&srcid=1602

• Great Biblical Overview of the history of Jesse Trees http://www.cresourcei.org/jesse.html
• Another example as well as additional patterns http://www.domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19971201/FRIDGE/FRIDGE1.HTM

• More pictures of beautiful Jesse Trees http://www.jesse-tree.com/

Some books about Jesse Trees

• Patterns for Jesse tree symbols http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=7214394&event=61984SBF|141216|55020

• Stories to share about the Jesse Tree http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=52884&event=55020CRS|1219782|55020#curr

• Jesse Tree Readings (includes devotionals for both adults and children) http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=7009081&event=61984SBF|122589|55020#curr

See you next week for our project day!
:) Martha

29 things I love about my hubby on his 29th birthday!

1. You love God first.
2. You love me and you've seen my worst.
3. You love our babies.
4. You cry at commercials.
5. You are a cuddler.



6. You do more than your share of housework.
7. You are a natural with kids.
8. You listen to me.
9. You're a peacemaker.
10. That little scar on your chin.

11. You fit in, are comfortable with, and love my family.
12. You pray with Joey.
13. You've stuck with the church you were raised in.
14. You have the patience of a saint.
15. You hold my hand during meetings.

16. You take care of those you love.
17. You ohh and aww over Joey's art.
18. You change poopy diapers.
19. You know how to grill.
20. You choose good friends with good wives.

21. You're willing to drive a paid for older car.
22. I relax in your arms.
23. You make coffee for me even though I'm the morning person.
24. You enjoy spending time at home.
25. Best. Dad. Ever.

26. You don't get irritated when I call you over just to look at our sleeping babies.
27. You asked.
28. You open the covers for me when I get into bed after nursing Abby.
29. You're my best friend.

I love you, honey! Happy birthday!

Adventures at Bible Study

Last night we had quite an eventful Bible study meeting. We celebrated completely finishing our first book in 3 or so years of meeting! I had carpooled with my dear friend Tina. The poor girl ended up leaving soon after we arrived due to debilitating pain in her ankle. Poor thing. Call your doctor, missy! In the meantime we'll keep praying.

We plowed through the study and enjoyed some good discussion although it was taking a LONG time to get through the questions. Our friend Sara needed to leave at 8:45 to get home and into bed because she needed to get up early. As she left, unbeknownst to her, a bird flew into the house! We were glad to realize it was a bird and not a bat, but we were all puzzled about how to remove the bird.

The next 15-20 minutes were spend shrieking, ducking, and flashing the lights on and off to encourage the bird to move toward the door. We waved a broom and pillows at it, clapped and yelled at it. We even giggled a LOT! It must have been quite a sight watching 4 grown women chase this bird. We thought about trying to capture the bird in a towel. We weren't brave enough to really follow through on that plan, though!

The poor bird spent his time inside trying to fly up and banging into the ceiling. My friend's ceiling was thoroughly dotted with feathers and had some blood smears at the end. The bird in his desperation to get to a safe place, must have cut his head.

The girls finally chased the bird outside and slammed the door shut when it looked like the bird might come back into the house. Whew! We all had more than a little adrenaline flowing at that point. We laughed and laughed in relief. My sweet friend and her husband and another friend were up until 2am cleaning the house!

It was an event we will never never forget and one I'm content to not relive. :)

A REAL duct tape Bible

A post at Everyday Mommy about the marketing of a "duct tape Bible" reminded me of Danny's childhood Bible which is REAL duct tape Bible. We have pictures of Danny holding this Bible as a seven year old, and the edges are already ragged in the photo. Judging by the notes inside, I'd guess Danny carried this Bible through high school. I can think of a few times in our marriage when Danny grabbed this Bible to take to church. I wonder when he needed the duct tape to hold it together.
I can't say I'm against the marketing of a Bible with a duct tape cover. But, my prayer for my children is that they love the word of God enough to eventually need some duct tape to hold their Bible together.

Recipe Swap!

I'm joining Tammy at Tammy's Times for a soup recipe swap. It's finally been cool enough here to turn off the air conditioning so bring on the soups! Yesterday we had some dear friends over for dinner and I made yummy crockpot potato soup, a recipe I was given by Danny's Mom. The original source is First EV Free Women's Ministry here in Tucson.


Crockpot Potato Soup

6 Potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 chopped onion (I use the frozen kind- no tears!)
1-2 carrots (I leave out)
1-2 celery sticks (I sometimes leave out)
4 chicken bullion cubes
1 Tbs parsley
5 C water
1.5 tsp salt
dash of pepper
1/3 cup margerine or butter, cut into pats
13oz can evaporated milk

Place all ingredients except evaporated milk into crockpot with butter on top. Cook on low for 10-12 hours. During the last hour, stir in 1 13oz can evaporated milk.

Yummy and easy!

Can you tell they had immunizations yesterday?

This has been how most of the day has been spent.

Abigail Emma

I couldn't resist having a mini photo shoot this morning after dressing Abby. I didn't quite figure out how to use the light in my first photo, but her smile is so sweet!

I love the light and how you can see the depth in her eyes.


I love the way the little hairs peek out from beneath her cap!