A Miracle From God . . .

I posted a prayer request on January 17th for little Harper Stamps who was born on the 16th with pneumonia. The doctor didn't give her much chance of living. I'm happy to report that God performed a miracle & Harper has almost made a full recovery. This is a testimony to the power of prayer! Thousands of people have been praying for Harper to be healed. Go to her Mommy Kelly's blog http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/ for the miraculous story.

Proud Mommy, Kelly, and little Harper . . .

Harper & her Daddy, Scott,
look how alert she is!

. . . the earnest prayer of a righteous man

has great power and wonderful results.

James 5:16

Friday Show & Tell ~ One Of My Favorites . . .

Thank you for stopping by for 'Friday Show & Tell' . Today I'm featuring one of my favorite authors & illustrators of children's books, Lois Lenski. If you're from my generation you may have read these books just as I did in elementary school in the early '60s.

Lois Lenski

Oct. 14, 1893 - Sept. 11, 1974

popular and prolific American writer & illustrator

of children's and young adult fiction.

My favorite books written by Lois are . . .

~The American Regional Series~

Beginning with Bayou Suzette in 1943, Lois Lenski began writing a series of books which would become known as her "regional series." In the early 1940s Lenski, who suffered from periodic bouts of ill-health, was told by her doctor that she needed to spend the winter months in a warmer climate than her Connecticut home. As a result, Lenski and her husband Arthur Covey traveled south each fall. Lenski wrote in her autobiography, "On my trips south I saw the real America for the first time. I saw and learned what the word region meant as I witnessed firsthand different ways of life unlike my own. What interested me most was the way children were living" (183). In Journey Into Childhood, Lenski wrote that she was struck by the fact that there were "plenty of books that tell how children live in Alaska, Holland, China, and Mexico, but no books at all telling about the many ways children live here in the United States".The positive reception that Bayou Suzette received convinced Lenski that there was indeed a need for these type of books. Her second regional, Strawberry Girl, published in 1945, received the 1946 Newbery Medal. At first Lenski wrote about the regions which were on the way of her journeys from Connecticut to Florida. But as the series became well known children began writing to Lenski asking her to visit their area and write about them. Thus the regional books were written about many states and regions in the U.S.

I have always been intrigued by the fact that Lois traveled to each region she wrote about to do her research. Not only did she illustrate all of the books she wrote, but also for other authors.

She included a picture map of the state that each book was written about.

Here's the map from 'Boom Town Boy'.

Here are the six books in my personal collection.

~ Boom Town Boy ~

Set in the 1920s in Oklahoma at the height of the oil boom, Orvie Robinson's grandfather strikes it rich when oil is found on his land. He teaches the family a lesson in values when he gives them money and they spend it recklessly. Eventually the Robinsons miss the work of the farm and learn to value both hard work and money.

You may think 'Boom Town Boy' is my favorite because I'm from Oklahoma, but 'Prairie School' is my favorite because it's about a one room school house in South Dakota.

~ Prairie School ~

Portrayal of one winter in a one-room school in rural South Dakota. Delores and Darrell, with their schoolteacher Miss Martin, use their wits to survive the Great Blizzard of 1949 when stranded in the schoolhouse on the prairie.

~ Blue Ridge Billy ~

Billy Honeycutt, a mountain boy of North Carolina, has a busy life working on the family farm and enjoying the woods where he lives. His great ambition is to own and play the banjo. He eventually gets a fiddle instead, which suits him just as well.

~ Strawberry Girl ~

This 1946 Newbery Award-winning book portrays life for the hard-working Boyers, a Florida Cracker family developing a strawberry farm in Florida when such farming was just beginning there. The Boyers must learn to cope with their proud but lazy neighbors, the Slatters, who are squatters rather than farmers.

~ Bayou Suzette ~

Suzette, a lovable young white girl, and Marteel, an orphan Indian girl who comes to live with her family, become constant and close friends. The bayou country of Louisiana serves as a colorful backdrop for the girls' lively adventures which include surviving a major flood in the Louisiana bayou country.

~ Houseboat Girl ~

Nine-year-old Patsy learns responsibility while her family lives on the Mississippi River. Patsy's great wish is that her family will stop traveling and settle in one place. She finally gets her desire to stay in one place and go to school.

The next time you're at the library check to see if these books are in the children's section. You might even find some copies at a flea market or antique shop. Also, check Amazon, that's where I found some of my books.

No More M.E.M. . . .

I've been hearing for several months now

that Mary Engelbreit's

Home Companion Magazine

was ceasing publication.

Yesterday I received this in the mail.

I'm really sad!

I loved this magazine.

Each new issue I received was read

cover to cover, and

reread again.

I loved the different styles presented,

especially features about Mary's home.

Also, I enjoyed reading about the many

artists who showed their studios where

they created their particular art or craft.

I used to subscribe to Martha Stewart Living,

but didn't renew because I preferred

Home Companion.

Oh well, things change and I

must learn to adjust!

'Ice' Land Tour . . .

Yesterday afternoon hubby & I drove around our neighborhood to explore the icy wonderland.

'Ice'Land Tour 2009

Brush Creek Barn . . .

Ice covered tree
&
falling snow . . .


A chubby squirrel . . .

Frosted pine boughs . . .

Our subdivision pond . . .

Tree lined street . . .

Our house . . .

Little white country church . . .

I did get to see some beautiful snow falling for about 20 minutes

before we returned home from our tour.

Even though it's not the big snow storm I've been longing for

I'll settle for a winter wonderland of icy beauty!

Ice Update . . .

As the weatherman promised an

ice storm began Monday afternoon around 1:00.

Many wrecks were reported on the news.

Hubby saw several accidents on his

way home from work.

Schools have been canceled today.

The wintry weather is supposed

to end later today.

I took this picture of the tree in our

front yard last night.

All the branches were covered with ice.

If you click on the picture you

may be able to see the ice better.

Our nephew, Brian, spent the night at

our house last night.

The roads were too dangerous

for him to drive home to Okmulgee.

By the way, the chili was very tasty.

We have enough to eat until the ice starts thawing!

Comfort Food . . .

When I heard the weather forecast for the possibility of icy weather for the next few days I knew it was time to make chili. For me nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of chili when the weather is blustery, cold, and everyone is home bound! This recipe is one I posted in October. Hope you'll give it a try. It's delicious!

*Big Batch Chili*

4 pounds ground chuck

2 medium onions ~ chopped

1 green pepper ~ chopped

2 garlic cloves ~ minced

3 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes

4 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce

1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

1 can Rotel

1/4 cup chili powder

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper

*Toppings*

sour cream

shredded cheddar cheese

chopped green onions

Frito corn chips

Cook ground chuck, in batches, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until meat crumbles and is no longer pink, drain. Place meat in large crock pot, add all other ingredients. Cook, covered , at High 5 to 6 hours or Low 6 to 8 hours. Serve with desired toppings listed above.
Makes 15 to 18 cups

I'm sure you've got a great recipe for your favorite comfort food. I'd love for you to share it!

Promises . . .

The Lord will keep his promises.

With love he takes care

of all he has made.

Psalm 145:13

Think about just a few of the promises God has given you. He's promised to love you, forgive you, fight for you, comfort you, answer your prayers according to His plan, and spend eternity with you, to name just a few.

God has never made a promise that He could not or would not keep. That means you can trust Him with your deepest secrets, biggest dreams, and greatest fear. You can take Him at His Word and move forward in the direction He's asked you to go with total confidence.

Even when it's difficult to see God at work in you circumstances, His faithfulness is your assurance that He's not only active and involved, but He's using the situation to bring good into your life.

In God's faithfulness

lies eternal security.

Corrie Ten Boom

Winter Returns . . .

Winter has returned to Oklahoma!

Thursday the temperature climbed near 80!

Friday after reaching a high around 50

degrees a windy cold front roared through

in the late afternoon dropping

the temperature down into the 30s!

The wind was blowing so fiercely it blew down part

of Bobby & Kari's wooden fence.

The forecast is calling for a 60 % chance

of freezing rain or sleet on

Monday & Tuesday!

No-o-o-o-o!

Not ice!

I want SNOW!!

Maybe the weatherman will be wrong!

Friday Show & Tell ~ Madame A.

I received the "Wonderful Mom Award " from

Melissa @
http://melissasheartandhome.blogspot.com/

on Thursday!

Melissa, thank you! I feel so honored!

I think this award is written in French.

What do you think Debbie?

Could we have a translation please?

Congratulations Debbie,

I see you also got the award from Melissa!

I'd like to pass this award along to

Becky @

http://hospitalitylane.blogspot.com/

I can tell Becky is a loving, hands on Mom

who loves her children very much.

My show & tell today is something I probably took to school for show & tell.

Meet my Madame Alexander doll . . .

Isn't she pretty?

My Grandma Minnie gave this doll

to me for my birthday when I was in the 4th grade.

I remember she took me downtown to pick

it out at Billings Hardware.

That store had a large variety of hardware

items & things for the kitchen.

They also had a wonderful assortment

of dolls, books, & toys.

The doll is in really good shape for

being 46 years old!

Have a wonderful weekend friends!!

Winter Sunshine . . .

I received this award the other day from Patsy at

http://bennie-thesmiths.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much Patsy for being a great blog friend!

I enjoy reading your comments each day!

Thanks to all the friends who stopped by on Wednesday & gave me some ideas for Grandpa & Grandma names! I'll let you know what we decide soon!

Yesterday I ventured out to do a little shopping therapy at Dollar Tree. What a gorgeous day! Not a cloud in the sky. Temperature mid 50s.

Later on, around 5:45 I noticed how comforting & warm the sunshine was streaming into the house. I snapped these pictures.

Arched window . . .

Corner in the dining room . . .
The clock is broken, the time is
actually 5:50 . . .


Kitchen table . . .

Kitchen window . . .

The days are getting longer . . .

Each day we gain 2 minutes of daylight . . .

Spring will begin in about 2 months . . .

I love the sunshine, but . . .

I still long to see a beautiful snow . . .

Name Game . . .

I need your help . . .

Bob & I are trying to decide what

Grandpa & Grandma names

we want to use.

I'd love to hear some suggestions

from all my friends in blogland.

I just know you have great

name ideas to share.

By the way, Kari's Mom has chosen

the name Grammy, so that name

is already taken.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Terri at

http://bobandterri.blogspot.com/

is celebrating her 400th post

with a great giveaway!

Go visit her blog to get your

name in the hat!

Tell her that I sent you over!!!

New Kid In Town . . .

I'd like to introduce you all to a sweet baby boy

who arrived Monday morning at 9:01 AM.

Weight 8 lbs. 1 oz.~21 1/2 inches long!

Meet Nathan Clarke B****

Here he is with his Mommy, Holly.

Holly was at Kari's shower on Sunday. These girls are best friends. It's so neat that their babies will be born a month apart. I know that Nathan & Ethan will be best friends too.

Kari looks like a pro holding little Nathan!

It's been a long time since I've been around a baby less than 24 hours old. Now more than ever I'm anxious for Ethan to arrive.

Congratulations Jeremy & Holly! God bless you as you begin your journey as parents. Nathan is a precious baby. He's very fortunate to have a Mommy & Daddy who love the Lord.

Showered With Love . . .

Sunday was the perfect January day for the baby shower! Family & friends came together to shower Bobby & Kari with love & wonderful gifts for Ethan.

The future parents were so happy & excited!

Kari enjoyed opening all the wonderful gifts . . .

The guests had fun playing a few games . . .

Decorations . . .

Bobby's baby album & newborn pictures

of Bobby & Kari . . .

More baby pictures of Kari & Bobby . . .

The food table . . .

More mementos from the past . . .

Vintage clothing . . .

I thought it would be neat for Ethan

to wear some of his Daddy's clothes . . .

I little blue coat & hat . . .

An outfit that Bobby had his picture taken

in at about 18 months old . . .

The shower was so much fun,

wish you could have been there!

Perseverance . . .

Blessed is the man who keeps on

going when times are hard.

James 1:12

Learning to walk takes perseverance. Just watch any toddler-in-training. The victory of making it across the room on wobbly legs comes only after repeated falls into the carpet. But, children don't give up. As they look up at the faces of their proud parents, they are inspired to keep trying until they succeed.

God knows there are times in your life that are much more difficult than learning how to walk. But, He's there, like any loving parent, supporting you if you start to take a tumble. When you feel discouraged and thoughts of quitting begin to run through your head, look up. Your proud Father is close by with His arms open wide, encouraging you to move forward, one step at a time.

Permanence, perseverance, and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities:

It is this that in all things distinguishes

the strong soul from the weak.

Sir Francis Drake

Please Pray . . .

Prayers are needed for a sweet baby girl that was born last night in Arkansas. Read about Harper & her mommy, Kelly, & daddy, Scott here ~ http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/. I have been reading Kelly's blog for quite sometime & have enjoyed reading about her joy & excitement during her pregnancy. Please join me in praying that God will give comfort, reassurance, & healing.



I've been tagged by Valerie at http://valeriechris.blogspot.com/. Even though Valerie & I have never met face to face I feel blessed to have her as a friend. Valerie, you are an inspiration to me. I hope someday we can meet in person.

Here's the deal:
1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer.
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder.
3) Explain the picture.

4) Tag 4 people to do the same.

I had no idea what would be the 4th picture in my 4th folder.

Here it is . . .

This is a picture of my niece, Kara's, engagement ring. She got married in June just a few weeks after graduating from college.

The 4 people I'm tagging are . . .

Patsy at

http://bennie-thesmiths.blogspot.com/

Laurie at

http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/

Shelley at

http://logcabininmichigan.blogspot.com/

April at

http://aprilmaduzialifewithbaby.blogspot.com/

I'm so excited about the baby shower tomorrow! I'll share pictures with you on Monday.

Friday Show & Tell ~ Snow . . .

Yesterday morning I was so excited to see snowflakes falling. The temperature was 10 degrees, the wind was blowing snow around like the inside of a snow globe. When you people who live in snowy regions of North America see the picture below you have to promise not to laugh too loud! Okay, scroll down . . .

As you can see the accumulation is pathetic!

You didn't laugh did you?

I've still got my fingers crossed

for a snow storm before spring arrives!

A big thank you to those who gave suggestions

for my new bunny's name!

All your ideas were great! I combined two names.

Beth at http://myprimcottage.blogspot.com/

suggested Mr. Reed.

Bo at http://blinksnwinksfrombrown-eyes.blogspot.com/

suggested Bosley.

So his name is . . .

Mr. Bosley Reed

I got busy yesterday working on projects for the shower decorations.

I found these white frames at

Target, 3 for $2.50.

I added paper & stickers from Hobby Lobby.

Here's another Target frame with glass on both sides.

I used the old wallpaper & added Ethan's name with stickers.
I added a little note on the back so he would know

the history of the wallpaper.

I covered this box from Hobby Lobby with more wallpaper.

I LOVE Mod Podge!!!

Wow, is it Friday already?!?

I've got to get busy!!!

Pleasant Surprise . . .

Look who showed up

at my house yesterday . . .

What a pleasant surprise ! ! !

Yesterday I received this cute rabbit in the mail from my sister, Susan. Isn't he sweet?!? I just love him! She said when she saw him in the gift shop he reminded her of me because I was a reading teacher for so many years. Thanks Susan, I treasure my new bunny!!


Would you brilliant, witty, creative people help me name Mr. Bunny? I look forward to reading your suggestions!!

Sneak Peek . . .

Let me show you a few more items

that will be used for the shower on Sunday . . .

Vintage serving pieces that belonged to my mother . . .

A sweet frame . . .

My rocker . . .


The week is flying by!
Hope you are having a super week!

Moon Glow . . .

Hasn't the full moon been

beautiful the past few nights?

This picture was taken

from our backyard deck

Sunday night.

I know it's blurry, but I think it looks kind of interesting like this.

The beauty of a full moon is a reminder to me

of God's awesome creation.

Shower Time . . .

I'm going to busy this week preparing for Ethan's baby shower we're having on Sunday, the 18th. The shower will be at our house so I've got a lot to do. Kari's mom & sister are also helping with the party. Can't believe that we only have to wait just about 6 more weeks to meet little Ethan. I'm so excited!!

I pulled out a few things that I kept from Bobby's baby days. I think they'll be nice decorating touches to sit out.


I have a few pieces of wallpaper from Bobby's nursery that I want to make something with for Ethan's room. Not sure exactly what I'll do, but I do have a few ideas. Whatever I come up with I'll display it at the shower for decorations.

Four crocheted blankets, the blue one is mine.

Here's a closeup of my blanket & baby shoes.

I love this picture of Bobby in his first pair of jeans!

I'll be showing more ideas for the shower all week long. Hope you all have a wonderful week!