On her First Day of Life

A few hours after birth, nurse Lana came in with what was needed for the bath. The timing was perfect as I was there with the kids and we got to be part of this special moment, bringing back my own memories, so dear.

Kristal chose to swaddle Everly's body to keep her warm while she washed her face and hair.

This surely was worth taking a closer look at to see if she liked it. And she did.

Her hair got soaped up and combed out.

while brother continued to look out for her.

Being unswaddled and naked in the tub brought about a bit of complaint,

but it was done quickly.

Daddy's large hands fumbled nervously trying to get the tiny diaper on.

And sister comforted her when it was all said and done.

We could not stay away.

Coming back after dinner, Everly was introduced to her Papa

who had worked out of town during the day.

Everly Elise,

we are so happy you are here!

‘May the Lord bless you

    and protect you.

May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
 May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.'

Numbers 6:24-26 NLT

With love and prayers always,

your Papa and Mimi

It's a Girl!

With much joy and thankfulness for her safe arrival,

we welcome

Everly Elise Sawyer

born September 9, 2014

at 10:35 am

weighing in at 6 lbs, 15 oz

19 inches long

Proud, excited siblings are Natalie, Landon and Koen

I took them in to meet their little sister in the early afternoon

and she looked at them like she already knew their voices.

Natalie could not stop giggling for joy. She told me later that 

about ten times she had already told herself that this was the happiest day of her life.

The boys just grinned at her. 

They all wanted to hold her and got their turn.

She did not mind the adoration at all.

We stayed to watch her first bath and then

it was time to leave so mommy and daddy could get some rest.

It had been a long night.

I'll post more, but for now will leave you with the first family portrait.

Family Secrets Exposed

Our grandkids know that usually my desktop shows off a favorite group photo of them. 

When we came home from our trip this summer
I found out that some of them had been over while we were away
and left this drawing taped to my monitor. 

It made me smile . . . and I have to admit, 

it's more up to date than any photos I have of them all together.

Easy Farmer Sausage Rolls

It's been a while since I posted anything to do with food prep

so I thought I'd post this easy recipe I worked on while 

working on a  'school lunches' post for the big blog.

For this recipe I used three cups of the Large Biscuit Mix

stirring in 1 egg and 1 cup buttermilk to make a soft dough.

You can also use your own favorite biscuit mix.

Roll the pastry out to about 12 x 16 inches and divide it into four long strips.

Peel and cut half a farmer sausage lengthwise into strips. (A fairly thick sausage could be cut into six, a thinner one into quarters), and lay each strip along one of the quarters of the pastry. Roll up, with seam underneath.

Cut long, rolled up rolls into six pieces, to make about 2 dozen. Place on greased or parchment lined cookie sheet.

Bake at 400 F for about 15 minutes or until golden. These freeze nicely for an easy lunch.

For more ideas, check out the kitchen on the blog.

September Musings

As I listen to the rain patter on the awning of my open window, 

feel the change in the air

 and darkness descending at an earlier hour,

summer days become but a teasing distant memory.

Sunrise, sunset . . . swiftly flow the years.

One season following another

laden with happiness and tears.

All is well.

My Offering

Today it's one month since we said our goodbyes . . .

releasing them from our arms into His.

God of mercy, sweet love of mine

I have surrendered to your design

May this offering stretch across the skies

These hallelujahs be multiplied.

Deep in my heart these lyrics, sung in church on a Sunday morning,

took on a very personal meaning.

If you see tears* in my eyes . . . you'll know why.

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9

* When tears of sadness become tears of joy,
it's the long term perspective.