Saturday, June 28, 2008

The boys are back in town!

Well, we all survived a week of Chris & Andrew going to Summer Bible Camp at Fall Creek Falls, TN. I had mixed feelings before they went, but ultimately felt peaceful. It gave me lots of quality time with Michael & James, and for the most part, we had a very nice time, just the four of us. Michael & James are not real good at doing their jobs, and it was certainly the element of the week that wore me out the most. Michael did pull through during the times that I needed him and I am very proud of him for that. He filled Chris's slot at the store and carried groceries for my customers. We were very busy and he did a great job. He insisted that it was fun - I say that is a great attitude to have! Yesterday we got in a large truck shipment (over $2,000 dollars in cases) and he helped enormously. James tried to help some, but was more interested in opening up boxes with his knife.

The boys got home around 4pm and I had prepared a nice homecoming meal for them. I made jambalaya, freshly sliced peaches, watermelon and a spicy cold bean salad. It was very nice to have the family together again and to hear all about camp.

Thank you, Lord, for keeping the boys safe and for giving me the peace that a mother needs when her children are away. I praise You for it all.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Another Teenager



Andrew just turned 13 on the 22nd of June! Happy Birthday, Andrew! We made a very yummy chocolate cake (a new recipe we all love!) and a huge pot of meatballs that we put on homemade sub rolls. Our freinds Clint, Clay & Chase were able to celebrate with us, making it so much more memorable! What a terrific bunch of boys - and believe it or not, they are all very Godly young men. How blessed we are!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

The "bird" tree



I have told a few of you about my bird tree and you keep asking for a picture. The garden is finally full enough to make a decent picture - so here it is. I have 3 different colors of bee balm, yellow hollyhocks, blue-black salvia (the hummingbirds favorite), herbs, and many other flowering delights. I can not explain the pleasure we get while sitting on the screen porch and watching all the birds that come. We recently had some friends stay with us from Louisiana and I do believe they were enjoying the birds as well!

PS: Pictures do not do it justice, just come on over and see for yourself. We can throw something on the grill and sit a while.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Braud boy #5 on the way!

He is due on July 2nd and we are so excited!! His name is Vlad, is 9 years old and is from Belaruse. He will only be staying with us for the month of July, but hopefully, he will return every year. It is part of an organization called The Children's Chernobyl Program of Chattanooga, http://www.ccpgc.org/index.htm. They bring children over every summer to help boost their immune system, give them fresh air and teach them about God. It is going to be an adventure, for sure. I am just looking forward to seeing the world from the eyes of a child who has never seen much of what we have in the USA. I hope we can be a good influance on him and give him hope. Their lives in Belaruse can be rather dim with all of the people dying from cancer from radiation exposure from the Chernobyl disaster.