May Camp-out

Our RV Club went to Hugo, OK in May.
Hope you enjoy the sites and sounds that I captured on my camera in this photoshow! It was a great weekend!

Granddad has a new toy...

for the lake/boat riding fun!

A Double Seater!


As you can see this is

REALLY BIG!

See what we have to look forward to...

Florida biker and his babe!

This is what happens when your kids take away your driver's license.
On second thought...it is a great gas saver!

Putting the Saints into Circulation

This is such a good word from Sharon Jaynes with Girlfriends in God, so I decided to share it with you. Check out the response question at the end of this and let me know how it goes.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth" (even in restaurants, the grocery store, and the gym) (Acts 1:8 NIV)

Friend to Friend
Oliver Cromwell was a political and military leader in Great Britain in the mid 1600s. During his reign, the government began to run low on silver for coins. He sent his men to the local cathedral to see if they could find any precious metals. They reported that "the only silver we could find is in the statues of the saints standing in the corners." Cromwell replied, "Good! We'll melt them down and put them into circulation!"

What a splendid idea! Put the saints into circulation! Paul, when writing to the churches, always referred to Christian as "saints." How fitting that we be "melted down and put into circulation," dispensing encouraging words like treasured coins into the heart pockets of a hurting world.

I am convinced that a buffet of ministry exists in restaurants. If ever there was a place where the saints are put into circulation, it is at eating establishments. Americans eat out more than any time in our country's history, so let's look at this mission field being served up every day. Here are two scenarios to ponder:

Scenario One:
The waiter was haughty, harried, and hurried. Our very presence seemed to be an inconvenience to his evening. His body language shouted, "What do you want. I'm in a hurry. Be quick about it. I don't like you and I don't want to be here." So I decided to try a little experiment.

"You sure are busy tonight," I said as he plopped our drinks on the table.

"Yep," he replied.
"I bet you're going to sleep well tonight," I continued.

"Yep," he again replied.

"I've been watching you scurry around from table to table. You're doing a great job."

Then the waiter looked me in the eye for the first time, stood a bit straighter, and unwrinkled his brow.

When he returned to the table, I continued my experiment. "How long have you been working here?" I asked.

"About four months," he replied. "I had been working in the corporate world and needed to get off the tread mill...the rat race. This is a different type of pressure, but I've lost thirty pounds and feel better than I've felt in years. I'm thinking about going back to culinary school in the fall."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," I said. "I bet you'd be great at it."

He smiled and turned away. Someone noticed that he was more than a waiter...he was a person.

The waiter who gave us our tab at the end of the meal was not the same man who took our order an hour before. Oh, he had on the same clothes, wore the same name tag, and served the same station. But the frustrated cold waiter who sloshed our iced tea on the table had warmed into a cheerful young man. That's the power of a woman's words.

Scenario Two:
The restaurant was bustling with activity. We bowed our heads to pray as the uncomfortable waitress stood to the side holding a basket of bread. We said our "amens," and she politely placed the basket on the table and scurried away.

It didn't take long before one of the women in our group began to complain. I knew her propensity to grumble and held my breath. The rolls were cold, the meat was tough, the knife had a spot on it, and where was the ketchup anyway! Several times, she pestered the waitress with her nitpicky criticism. I wished we had not prayed. I didn't want anyone observing the critical spirit to know that we were representatives of Jesus Christ.

We can all do Jesus a favor. The next time we go out to eat, whether it is a McDonald's or Morton's of Chicago, we can represent Jesus well. We can use our words to make those around us hungry and thirsty to know the hope that is within us. May our compliments flow and grateful spirits nurture their soul.

We are saints (Philippians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1) and we have been put into circulation. What will the watching world think of the One we represent?

Dear Lord, Help me to use my words well as I represent You today. I pray that I will be an encourager who uses her words to build up rather than tear down, to encourage rather than discourage, and to cheer rather than jeer. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus' name Amen.

Now it's Your Turn
The next time you go to a restaurant, be very intentional about blessing the waitress or waiter with your words. Then leave me a comment or email me (meyermanor@cccexpress.com).
I would be delighted to hear about it...so tell me what happened!

Something to think about...

the next time you mow your grass:

"A voice says, 'Cry out.' And I said, 'What shall I cry?' 'All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass.'"
Isaiah 40:6-7

Isn't that wonderful?! You're nothing by grass!

Before you stop reading this seemingly discouraging word, consider this. What if the opposite of God's observation were true? What if we do last forever in the flesh and never fade? I see two things:

First, you'd have to live with yourself forever. Many people are afraid to die, but I'm not so sure that the alternative of living forever in our bodies is such a hot idea, either. I can't imagine living in this sinful body with all of its frailties and leanings toward sin. When my deadline arrives, I'm not filing for an extension.

Secondly, not only would you live forever, those who persecute you and who hate God would live forever. Living forever would not help us escape their influence and actions. Oh, what a disaster that would be.

Now do you feel a little more encouraged about you latest medical problem, your latest fight with the boss, your latest battle with sin? Cheer up. It won't last. It's grass.

Lord, I praise You that You've allowed our sinful flesh to die. I acknowledge that You are the only one in the universe worthy to live forever. I'm just thankful that You've given me the privilege of living forever - after this body dies!

Taken from Diamonds in the Dust. Copyright © 1993 by Joni Eareckson Tada. Used by permission. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

Iowa...

here we come!
We are traveling this Memorial Day weekend to see our son and family.
I will post a photoshow when I get back:)
Appreciate your prayers for travel safety.

Enjoy My Flowers...

The Garden is growing...

but ooooooh soooooo slow it seems! I see other's vegetable gardens and they are already knee high! I'm not sure why mine is looking so poorly this year...maybe it needs more sunshine and less rain...not sure. The radishes are certainly producing...but they always do good (it seems), no matter what you do! I have replanted the green beans and butter beans. Some of the green beans have come up...but no butter beans yet! I bought my seeds this year at the farmer's feed store...maybe they were old...I don't know.

One thing for sure even with the straw on the ground...the weeds are lookin' good! UGH!!

A Message to the Next President...

Check this YouTube video out...it is our nephew, Chris Meyer.
It is a video of a speech that he gave at Harvard.
It was dedicated to leadership, and the problems and issues facing the next President.

We are SO proud of Chris! He is a godly young man with a high aspiration to be the President of the USA some day.
He has desired this since the 7th grade (if my memory is correct).

BIO: Chris Meyer is a Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of Tulane University.
Prior to enrolling in the Kennedy School, Chris served as a Teach For America corps member, teaching high school social studies in New Orleans.
He currently works as the Policy Coordinator to U.S. Congressman and Louisiana gubernatorial candidate Bobby Jindal.
His experiences include interning in the White House, the Office of the Mayor of New York City, and Congress; owning a small business; and serving as a summer school principal. Chris is a Public Service Fellow at the Kennedy School, pursuing a graduate degree in public policy with a concentration in health care policy.
He eventually plans to return to Louisiana and serve in elected public office.

Keep an eye on him in the political realm:)

Hang on...school is almost out!

A Tribute to my Daughters...

A daughter brings sunshine to brighten your day.

A daughter brings joy through her loving ways.

A daughter is a blessings that comes from above.

A special and beautiful treasure to love.

And God has given me two birth daughters to love and be loved by!

A Daughter

(author unknown)

A daughter is a wonderful blessing,

A treasure from above.

She's laughter, warmth and special charm,

She's thoughtfulness and love.
A daughter brings a special joy,

That comes from deep inside.

And as she grows to adulthood,

She fills your heart with pride.
With every year that passes,

She's more special than before.

Through every stage, through every age,

You love her even more.
No words can describe the warm memories,

The pride and gratitude, too.

That comes from having daughters,

To love and cherish... just like you two!

A daughter is just a little girl who grows up to be a friend.

Mother to Daughter

(author unknown)
The day you were born you touched my soul,

You were the missing link that made my life whole.

Those beautiful blue eyes looking up at me in awe,

Gazing at the woman who you just learned was your mom.

As days turned to months and months turned to years,

I watched you grow as a child through laughter and tears.

Now that your grown venturing out on your own,

I look back and wonder where did all the years go.

The baby I once held, cared for, and watched over at night,

Has now become a strong woman, so beautiful and bright.

I'm proud to call you my daughter as you sit by my side,

who now takes care of her mother with arms open wide.

And God has given me a daughter-in-love to call my own!

Daughter-in-Love

(adapted by me)
As we watched our young son grow

Their was a question we yearned to know

Was who he’d have with him at his side

His companion in life until he died

In Father, God we put our hope

Of seeing our son tie the rope

He told us proudly he’d found the one

A beautiful girl and so much fun

And when we met her, such a delight

We were filled with joy at first sight

Our question finally laid to rest

Our son had ended his long quest

So now we thank the Lord above

For bringing us a new daughter to love

And blessing our son with a devoted wife

To walk with him the rest of his life
Author, William Manchee

I am indeed a blessed woman and mother!

100%

Granddaughter, Mallory B. makes 100% on her report on Hawaii!

Way to go, Mallory! We are so proud of you!
Keep up the good work!

Double Celebration...

Happy 4th Anniversary!

Todd & Jenny

Remembering the joy of the day you were married...

Remembering the special love the Lord gave you for each other...

Remembering your Anniversary...

Happy Anniversary!

"Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done..."
1 Chronicles 16:12 (NASB)

Dedication of Savannah Meyer

One of the hardest things for this neenee & granddad is not being able to attend all those special events in the lives of our grandchildren. We try but sometimes distance and time restraints keep us from being there. Our children are so good at sending us pics and letting us know about what each grandchild is doing. They are each one so special to us...and we count it a joy to be involved in their lives.
The photoshow below is one of those special events we were not able to attend...just makes you miss'em more. Enjoy!

Come to my aide...

Some have already (with myself included) determined that my blog name now needs to change...since we are having GRANDbaby #14 (which will no longer be a baker's dozen -13).

As you can see I have already updated the name to "A Baker's Dozen + One" for now, BUT in Novemeber after gbaby 14 comes I want to change my blog name to one that best reflects me having 14 gchildren.

So far of the names that have been submitted...these 3 I like:
"Fantastic Fourteen"
"Two Touchdowns"
"a Quiver Full" (Ps. 127: 3-5)

Please help me in coming up with and choosing a name for my blog:)
Just email me your name choice(s) or make a comment on my blog.
There will be a prize for whomever name choice I choose:)
So put your thinking caps on!
I will list the ones I like on my blog as they come in.

Thanks for you help!

My New Digital Camera...Yah...Whoo!

Here is a pic of my old faithful digital camera. She has seen lots of pics and videos in her day. Her LCD screen started going on the blink...worked sometimes...didn't work sometimes. She was only 4 years old...I am assuming she just got worn out!
Since Mother's Day is coming up and I took back my Christmas present from Warren - only because it did not work - a 9" digital photo frame ($150) - I REALLY enjoyed it for a couple of months then when I tried to change the pics in it - it froze up & would not work correctly - it was less than 90 days old - I took it back and got another one - yes, the same thing happened to it - I took the second one back and got my money back!

I had forgotten about this until I started looking for a new digital camera...reminding hubbie that the money I got back from my Christmas present had not been spent yet...Christmas gift money + Mother's Day present ='s... need I say anymore:):):)

Here it is...my new Cannon:
Canon PowerShot SD790 IS 10-Megapixel Digital Camera – Silver
• 10.0 megapixels
• 3x optical zoom
• 3.0" LCD screen
• Optical image stabilizer
• Face detection
• Red-eye correction

This camera is so slim and small...it can fit nicely right in my pocket...and the newer technology is amazing:) Luv it...just luv it:):):)

Now SMILE...you never know when I am shooting a pic or video!

UPDATE!!!!...well what do you know...it seems like my old camera still has a little life left in it...for now it seems to be working...so gdaughter, Katelin, is now the proud, new owner of it! She is delighted!

SMILE...you never know when WE will be shooting a pic or video!

A Three Post Day...

POST 1: Happy Birthday, Amy!

She is 3 months old in this pic.
Born May 11, 1973

Amy is ??? You do the math!

She is still as BEAUTIFUL as ever...inside and out!

POST 2: HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Motherhood is a work of heart!

POST 3 (last but definitely NOT least): BEAUTIFUL Mother Day's flowers from my daughter & son in love with a DELIGHTFUL message attached. See it below:

God has granted us another BLESSING in our family...
Yes, you read it correctly... Grandbaby number 14
(number 6 Schubert) will arrive sometime in Novemeber 2008.

"Children are God's BEST gift...
the fruit of the womb His generous legacy...
Like a warrior's fistful of arrows
are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
with your quivers full of children!"
Psalm 127:3-5a (The Message)

Being a Mother...

What Did You Do Today?

Today I left some dishes dirty,

The bed got made around 3:30.

The diapers soaked a little longer,

The odor grew a little stronger.

The crumbs I spilled the day before

Are staring at me from the floor.

The fingerprints there on the wall

Will likely be there still next fall.

The dirty streaks on those windowpanes

Will still be there next time it rains.

Shame on you, you sit and say,

Just what did you do today?

I held a baby till she slept,

I held a toddler while she wept.

I played a game of hide and seek,

I squeezed a toy so it would squeak.

I pulled a wagon, sang a song,

Taught a child right from wrong.

What did I do this whole day through?

Not much that shows, I guess that's true.

Unless you think that what I've done,

Might be important to someone

With deep blue eyes and soft blonde hair,

If that is true...I've done my share.

Motherhood...a noble profession

Special Delivery...

to GRANDdaughter's in Iowa What fun it is to make & buy surprises for your granddchildren! Bath towels & washcloths with thier names embroidered on them; drinking mugs with their names; a special baby blankie for Savannah; homemade purse with $$ in it for Abbigail and games and fingerpainting book.

It blesses us to give and it blesses us to hear a little voice say:
"Thank You, Neenee & Granddad! We love it!"

The TW Meyer Girls...

Baby Hulk!

Just TOO cute not to share!

Grandson, Camden - the $100,000 + baby!

And he is only 8 months old!

Cam will have tubes put in his ears May 12th. He has had a chronic ear infection for the last 5 months. We pray this will get him over the hump of these ear infections.

Next week he will be scheduled to have a CT scan on his head to check for causes to why his head is growing so fast...it is off the growth chart at this point -- could be that he is retaining fluid in his head.

On July 24th he is scheduled to have double hernia surgery.

We covet your prayers for this little tike.

No, Clairol for Men Here...

Warren has been asked this question more than just a few times:
(maybe there are those who have wondered
but were afraid to ask!)

"Do you use Clairol to hide the gray?"

I can confirm that he does NOT!
It must be in his gene pool
OR
I have just not given him any gray hairs!!

These two pics were taken last week as he started back to work at Rosemount - the job he retired from 4 years ago.
He is delighted to be back and rarin' to go!

Way to go, Warren!

The Birthday Girl, Mallory

God's Voice or the World's Voice

We live in the world, but we are not to be conformed to the world or another way to say it "to be squeezed" into the world's mold!

All through John chapters 14-17, Jesus prays for us to be in the world but not tainted or persuaded by world systems and ideas. Here are a few differences.

• The world says take inventory of your strengths.
• God's voice says when you are weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)

• The world says get all you can.
• God's voice says give to everyone who asks. (Matthew 6:30)

• The world says claim your rights.
• God's voice says give up your rights. (Philippians 2:5-11)

• The world says avoid pain at all cost.
• God's voice say take up your cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)

• The world says only the strong survive.
• God's voice says only those who depend on Me will thrive. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

• The world makes decisions based on common sense.
• God's voice tells us to make decisions based on His Word. (Psalm 119:105)

• The world says this is as good as it gets.
• God's voice gives us the promise of heaven. (John 3:16)

• The world says seek happiness in your circumstances.
• God's voice says seek joy despite your circumstances. (James 1:2-4)

• The world says divorce if marriage gets difficult.
• God says what He has joined, no man should separate. (Mark 10:9)

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2).

The only way to distinguish between the world's voice and God's voice is by developing a personal on-going intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and knowing the truth found in God's Word.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit who reveals all truth. Help us to be so in-tune with You that we can tell if we are listening to the world or to the truth of Your Word. Help us to recognize the lies, reject the lies, and replace the lies with truth.In Jesus' Name,Amen

Sweet April Showers...

Do Spring May Flowers...

The April rain, the April rain,

Comes slanting down in fitful showers,

Then from the furrow shoots the grain,

And banks are fledged with nestling flowers!

A close up pic of my flox. It's just gorgeous this year!

Grass is turning green with a few weed flowers!
Mowing season has begun!
It's a great way to get some needed exercise!

Flowers in our front flower bed.

Theresa this one is for you!
She looks lovely on my front porch holding her basket of flowers!

Japanese Maple tree

Azaleas

Don't know what this climbing flower is called.
It is in my backyard right off the patio.

Each year it just comes back with bigger flowers and more foilage.
Just Beautiful!

Katelin, this one is for you...
your tree (that you thought was dying) has come back bigger and better!

Spring...a time to plant...

"Hail in the Spring, a start of new beginnings.
Creativity awe-inspiring gives a reason to be living.
Plant life showing life anew, a wonder to be found.
New born lambs playing in the fields, birds nesting all around
People enjoying the sun and the warmth, feeling good to be alive.
Spring gives a purpose to our lives, a touch of Paradise."
Kay M. Sutton, Bring in the Spring