Leisure in the South

Do you love where you live? I believe the Lord helps us to learn contentment and teaches us to be grateful in all circumstances. Growing up in California, I loved where I lived, no doubt. In Indiana and Oklahoma, I loved where I lived but it was not on account of the landscape of personality of the state. I enjoyed the environment I spent my time in and the connections I made with people. Here in North Carolina, Brenton and I wake up in the morning and both us say, "We love North Carolina!"

We would probably never have chosen to live in Asheville, unaware of its beauty. But when you are here, there is no way to escape mountian views, sweet tea, southern accents, thunderstorms, and the laid back ways of the south. Just perfect they are, and we wouldn't want them any other way. We often sit on our porch and soak in the beauty, and stunning it is.

I realize that there are both positives and negatives about anything, but the Lord has been gracious to us. He brought us to a place we are overwhelmed by; our perfect mix of the sounds of the city and small mountain town get-aways within minutes. And, well, He has taught us a good deal this year. I believe He has been refining us and we are more simply content. We are grateful and, Jesus, "Thank You".



B's first birthday gift from about a month ago...

Puppies for Sale!!!

Now the real journey begins; puppy advertising! Only four and a half weeks until the time comes for them to find new homes. Just preparing to have a pile of tissue boxes in advance, but until then...we're going to LIVE UP THE PUPPY DAYS!!!

First Outdoor Adventure!

Only in North Carolina

More work hours, woohoo!!! While it was a full week, it was a blessing to be picking up hours. Goodness, it literally must have been a week of 70 hours, the longest day being over sixteen. And, amazingly, though I'm tired; I've held up pretty decent considering.

Poor Brenton came down with the hot and cold flashes, feeling weak this past weekend. We found out two days ago that his flu turned into strep throat. Though he's been feeling pretty under the weather, B is getting better!

While at The Cove, working with a School of Evangelism, I had hurried to make it to work by 6:30am thinking I'd fix my hair after our morning meeting. We'll I guess it is partly the historic hairdos coming back in style and the fact that I'm in the south now, but my half up style was flopping around. Then it came to me... "All the hostess will have hairspray in the closet!"

Sure enough! The poofy hostess dos are as southern as I'll get out. Guess I'm starting to fit in with "ya'll" and the hairspray. Don't worry though, I've not given into the beehive yet.

Open Eyes

Red's a little camera shy, but I promise his eyes are open!



Red, our chunky monkey, and one of the female black labs opened their eyes today! Everyone else, excluding the runtie, is just about there. The little jitter bugs have also been starting to walk, or should I say wobble, this week. They're growing up fast; we're now a fourth of the way through our time with them. Sad days!

We've also promised away the first pup. The chocolate female has been a favorite and has a good family awaiting for the end of June to come soon. In the mean time, B and I are waiting to hear about two other little ones. Our good friends, the Hays, and my sister, Jen, should be having little one's anytime now!!! Woohoo.

Eclair Cake

(Carolina potluck favorite...been at everyone since we moved here and so easy!)

1 box Graham Crakers
4 cups Milk
2 large boxes Vanilla Instant Pudding
1 med. container Cool Whip
1 container Chocolate Frosting

LAYER graham crackers, slightly overlapping, on bottom of 9x13 pan; set aside. Beat milk and dry pudding mix with whisk 2 min. Let stand 5 min. Stir in whipped topping.

SPREAD half of the pudding mixture over graham squares in pan; top with graham crackers and remaining pudding mixture. Cover with remaining graham squares.

REFRIGERATE at least 3 hours. Spread with frosting just before serving. Or microwave frosting and pour on just before serving.