A visit with Tessa

This past week I had the great honor of staying with my brother's growing family.  I was there in hopes of being helpful as they get used to having a newborn.  I don't know how much help I actually was, but it was definitely a blessing to me being able to be there. 

Tessa looks a lot like her daddy so far.  She is a cutie-pie!

My parents are glad to be grandparents again. 

Travis is a very calm, patient daddy.

We went to visit Grandma Crabill so she could meet Tessa.

sweet sleepy sighs

Beautiful Mommy Erin and beautiful baby Tessa...

Thank you so much, Travis & Erin, for allowing me to intrude and share in those early days of Tessa's life--the bottle feedings, diaper changes, mid-night wake-ups, tiny little socks and clothes to wash, lullabies to sing, doctor's appointment, late-night Winter Olympics watching, episodes of The Office, extra-spicy meatballs (still so sorry!), trying this and that to learn how the 3 of you best fit together... It was a beautiful week, and I will always treasure having spent it with you!

School Valentine Parties

It is always fun for me to get to go to the kids' school.  Today, of course, were the kids' class Valentine parties.  I had to deliver drinks to Sylvia's class, since I bought bottles of juice that were too heavy for her to carry on the bus.  

When I got to her class, I noticed she was wearing a medal.  She was awarded the Trustworthiness pillar of character for her class and is to wear the medal at school for two weeks. 

The kids in her class were also all wearing pajamas, as they were celebrating the end of their unit on penguins and had a pajama party today and watched "Happy Feet."  They were all giddy and so cute opening their valentines from each other!

After their party, Mrs. Ayers talked with the class about the winter Olympics, which are starting tonight!

I stopped in to Annah's class party for a few minutes too.  She has a few more kids in her class, and it was quite a party in there!  They had made pouches for their valentines and put them on the sides of their desks.

Annah tried a Fruit By The Foot tattoo on her tongue, but it was more like a blob than a design.

After leaving Annah's party, I stopped by Caeden's class, but their party was already finished.  After school Sylvia gave Caeden her Valentine bug hat, and he was very happy!

Multiplied 8 Times

On January 31st, when the people of our church brought back the increase from the $5,000 we were loaned, the offering for Haiti was $37,383.94!  

Our family was loaned $100, and because of many generous people, we were able to give $1217.75!  


God surely blessed this offering, our efforts, and multiplied it by 8 times!!  On February 14th, our church was honored to have Dr. Christian Sarmiento, Regional Director of South America for the Church of the Nazarene, to accept a check for $40,000.00 to go to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries' work towards Haiti relief efforts!  He spoke to our church about The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), which we are all praying hard to accomplish.


Some have criticized our church, it's people, our pastors, etcetera...saying this was all done to "put the church in the spotlight."  But, being a part of this congregation, I have to laugh and verify that was the farthest thing from anyone's intent.  Yes, there was publicity, but only to encourage people to give and to inspire others to help Haiti.  We were excited about the amazing way God blessed our tiny efforts and multiplied them more than our expectations, yes.  He is a GREAT God, and loves to go beyond our expectations!!  And we want ALL the glory to go to Him!


Our family was blessed in so many ways by doing what we could to make all we could to give all we could!  This challenge has inspired us to continue finding ways to give and help others, in the name of Jesus and for the glory of God!  Praise His name!!

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I've completed a few orders...

scarves, a doily, and washcloths

She's Here!!!

My sweet little niece that we've been hoping and praying for now for years made her entrance into the world today!  Congratulations to my brother Travis and my sister-in-law Erin on the birth of their beautiful, precious first child!  Tessa Jean was born this evening at 5:49 p.m. 

So far, she looks a whole lot like my brother.  I know they are so unbelievably glad to hold their baby in their arms tonight, and they give God all the praise.  And we join them!  Thank you Lord, for this precious life!