The Fruit of our Labor

Last Friday was canning day. Mama Lily brought some of her youngins over and we canned tomato sauce.

It's a process: picking tomatoes from our garden, washing, cutting, juicing, and then cooking it down. I was sure glad the boys were here to do all the churning of the juicer. They did an awesome job. We got 10 quarts of sauce out of all that work. Yeah! And there's more tomatoes in the garden ripening as I type. So pretty soon we'll be turning that crank again. Or, maybe we'll make salsa.

We did figure out that it's not really cost effective to "can" our own sauce. Tomato sauce is so cheap in the store. However, I like the taste and the feeling I get when I use the sauce in a recipe: Mmmm, homemade! I guess I like the whole process of planting, (not the weeding), harvesting, and being in the kitchen with people I love and that's why we put out so many tomato plants, 31 this year. There's nothing like working together to bring a family closer.

So that's it, love makes tomato sauce taste better. I guess it makes everything taste better. Love is, after all, a FRUIT of the Spirit.

Teach us to pray...

Dress Up

Abby loves to play dress-up. I think it's all the princess movies she's been watching. Hmmm.

Little Hannah gave her the dress and a lady at Billy's work gave Abby the headband. Oh yeah, and the famous "Mary Poppins" shoes I have yet to do a post about. Don't worry, I will. Doesn't she look cute??

Mothers for Modesty

Moms & Dads for Modesty Mission Statement

• As a Mom for Modesty I believe in common-sense modesty for girls and young women.


• I believe in refraining from sexualizing our girls and young women.


• I believe that it is unwise and unfair to taunt boys and young men by permitting my daughter to dress in an immodest manner.


• I believe that true beauty comes from within and I strive to teach my daughter this truth.


• I will loyally shop at retailers that provide girls' and young womens clothing that is modest, affordable and stylish.

Everyday Mommy is speaking out on this issue so if you agree, click on the picture above to go over to her site and register your "signature."

I am in whole-hearted agreement with this issue. Too often I see young girls who are dressed inappropriately - too much skin, messages on their clothing, etc. Our culture would have our children to become "adults" before they even reach puberty. Mothers should teach their daughters about how to dress and more importantly about modesty and purity. It is our duty as parents to instruct our children in the ways of God (Deuteronomy 11:19).

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad

September 5, 1964

Thank you for being such a wonderful example of love and commitment through your 42 years of marriage. Your faithfulness to each other and God has been an inspiration to me and Billy. We love you!

Happy Birthday, Rachel!

Hope your 25th birthday is great! I love you.

The Bear

It has come to my attention that I should devote at least some space on this blog to explain the meaning of my title "Shagga Bear." So, with out further ado...

On my first birthday, I was presented with my very first teddy bear. He was a creamy brown color with shaggy fur. His legs, arms and head could all spin completely around. I fell in love with him at first sight. My daddy named him "Shagga" and the name stuck.

And you ask, "how can you remember your first birthday?" Well, I have pictures (note profile picture) and I MUST have fallen in love with that bear cause I still have him (the banner pic is his most recent portrait).

I do remember taking that bear everywhere I went: trips to Granny's house, camp, slumber parties, etc. I went on a summer missions trip to England when I was 15 but Shagga didn't get to go cause I was afraid I'd lose him. He did go on two summer tours with Signs of Love in college. He even came to my wedding reception with a bow tie that matched the groomsmen (Thank you, Karen).

This bear has been with me through thick and thin -- he's gotten thinner, I've gotten thicker. :) He even had to have "plastic surgery." His nose came off while still in grade school from so much lovin'. My grandmother sewed a piece of cloth over the hole and embroidered him a crooked smile, but I still love him!

He now has a place of honor in my bedroom. Occaisionally, I take him down and give him a little squeeze to let him know that I still care. So, for all he's given to me, I thought I would dedicate this blog to him so his name could live on.

Long live Shagga Bear!