Happy Anniversary!

Todd & Jenny are celebrating 6 years of marriage!

5th BB egg today...

That's right! I checked this afternoon to see if there were any more eggs laid by Mrs BB. As I approached the birdhouse, to my surprise, Mrs BB flew out and their were 5 BB eggs:) This is also the first time in several days that I have seen Mr and Mrs BB. They are staying closer by their birdhouse now. Mrs BB may be starting to incubate her eggs.

Couple of more BB facts:

*BB eggs will be incubated for 12 to 14 days, and the time from hatching to flying from the nest is just 19 days!

*The BB house can be opened to check the eggs or the young until they reach 13 days of age. From the 13th day after hatching onward leave them alone to keep them from prematurely leaving the nest.

I'm wondering if Mrs BB is finished laying her eggs. I'll check back tomorrow unless she is sitting on them. We will be gone for the weekend so they will have to get along without me! Ha, ha:)

This is such an amazing and learning experience to observe - the wonders of nature...of God's creation - unfolding! WOW!

(Check my email from yesterday to read more BB facts & see some BB egg pics)

Beautiful Blue Bluebird Eggs!

How delightful it has been to observe our bluebirds in our backyard! I was a little concerned a few days ago since I had not seen Mr or Mrs Bluebird. I speculated that they had met up with a predator and were dead. I was sad:(

I decided to take one more look at their nest and to my surprise I saw 3 blue eggs! But NO Mr or Mrs Bluebird (BB) in sight! I speculated that Mrs BB had laid her eggs and since she had not returned to sit on them she must have been killed. I was sad:(

I decided to do a google search on "unhatched bluebird eggs". Here is some more info:
*Bluebirds only lay 1 egg per day.
*Bluebirds usually lay 4-7 eggs in all (called a clutch).
*Incubation does not begin until all eggs have been laid, so they will hatch at the same time.
*The nest may not be regularly attended until that time, so do NOT assume it is abandoned! Many times people think a nest is abandoned when it is not! The incubating female is either secretive or is not on the nest as often as you would expect (e.g., because outside temperatures are warm.)
*Incubation typically lasts 12-14 days. The female may wait about a week to start incubating the clutch if weather is still cold.
*The bluebird eggs are rather dull when first laid, but get slick and shiny when they are close to hatching (about 10 days) after being sat on, turned regularly by the mother, and rubbing against each other.
After reading this info I decided to go check the nest again...to my JOY another egg in the nest making the count 4 BB eggs:)

So now I KNOW that Mr and Mrs BB are around patiently laying their eggs and watching their nest. Now I must wait patiently:) I will check the nest tomorrow to see if there is a 5th egg!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Amy!

So Cute Baby Girl!

SO Beautiful Woman, Daughter,
Wife & Mother (inside & out)

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!
We love you & so thankful you are our girl!
You make us proud!

Look Who's 12!

Our gdaughter, Mallory, turned 12 on April 28th.

Click HERE to see her birthday photoshow. Enjoy!

Below is just a fun photo I made of Mallory!

National Day of Prayer

No ocean can hold it back.
No river can overtake it.
No whirlwind can go faster.
No army can defeat it.
No law can stop it.
No distance can slow it.
No disease can cripple it.
No force on earth is more powerful or

effective than the power of prayer.

(Linn Carlson, DaySpring writer )

The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 NRSV

Prayer is America's hope. Today, May 6 is the 59th Annual Observance of the National Day of Prayer. Join with millions of people around the world in prayer for America. Be a part of interceding for our nation, leaders, communities and families. One prayer, one heart at a time, we can change our nation!

The LORD is Good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him...

Nahum 1:7 NIV

Bluebird Delight

Mr. Bluebird (bb) came to check out our backyard - specfically our bb house about a week ago.

And to our delight he stayed and brought with him Mrs. Bluebird!

We have learned much about bbs since a sparrow killed our first Mr. bb that came to claim the birdhouse. That was a sad day when I found Mr. bb dead inside his house - pecked to death by a house sparrow:( I learned then that house sparrows are not native to America but were brought here on a ship way back when; that they are NOT on the endangered list; and that they are the number 1 enemy of the bb! The bb experts told us that if you are not willing to trap and kill house sparrows then DO NOT put a bbhouse on ur property for u are just setting the bb up to be killed!

So I googled and here is what I found out: European House Sparrows are more than just a nuisance to Native Bluebirds, they are a threat to their very lives. House Sparrows will kill Bluebirds and their babies and build a new nest right on top of their lifeless bodies. Keep House Sparrows away from your bird houses with this EASY, tried and tested method. I have used it on mine and IT REALLY WORKS! Create a web to protect the house from sparrows. House Sparrows have poor eyesight and, when they feel the fishing line with their feet and wings, they will leave. The web will NOT bother the bluebirds one bit, they have good eyesight and can see it, and will avoid it. It will not harm bluebirds in any way.

Warren went to work to put a fish line web on our bb house and so far so good! Below is a pic of our bb house.

Mr. BB has been busy watching and guarding his house while Mrs. BB builds her nest with some help from Mr. BB! We have delighted in watching them and keeping a close eye on any sparrows that might come around! Hopefully in a couple of weeks we will have some bb eggs and baby bb!

Click HERE to see my BB photoshow. Enjoy!

Look Who's 12 today...

Grandsons' Artistic Flair...

Our grandsons are quite the artist too as these pics will show!

Here is 5 yr. old gson, Bo S., pic of sea creatures.

He had recently seen a film at the library about creatures in the sea.

He told us ALL about "plankton" that's found in the sea too!

Way to go, Bo! Handsome pic too!

6 yr. old gson, GW is into drawing and coloring!

He worked tirelessly with great detail and precision!

Here is his drawing and coloring of a tiger!

Way to go, GW! Handsome pic too!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Todd!

He's a cute 3 month old...and a VERY handsome man!

Wishing you a GREAT birthday!

One More Toothbrush Rug

Here is a pic of my first large round toothbrush rug.

It took me a while to make. We have a large master

bathroom so I needed a large round rug!

Who's 15???

Our oldest GRANDchild, Katelin B!

Refrigerator Picture...

by granddaughter, Abbie M.

Abbie, like all our gdaughters, loves to draw and create
and put her special art work on our refrigerator!
And how we love this...talk about feeling special...
gkids have a way about them that just makes you feel special and loved!

Here is a close up of the first pic. I luv the way Abbie wrote her name...so creative with the letter "i" dotted by a heart and placed in the letter "B"!

Puzzle time at neenee's. Abbie luvs this "ABC" puzzle!

Tea Party time at neenee's!

The menu called for peanut butter crackers, honeynut cheerios,

and cranberry juice. Yummy!

Introducing Our 15th Grandbaby

Our son and daughter-in-love (Todd & Jenny)

are expecting their third child,

our 15th grandchild!

We are SO THRILLED for them!

How blessed we are!

In this ultrasound the baby is a little over an inch long. Check out the counter I have added to the left of my blog as we wait and anticipate the arrival of number 15!

April RV Club Campout...

What a fun camp out with our camping friends! It is always so good to gather with them once a month and have fun and fellowship! What a beautiful, spring weekend too!

And added treat for us this weekend was some of our gchildren got to join us as well as our son & daughter-in-love!

Seeing and feeding the horses was a great hit too!
Click HERE to see a photoshow of this weekend. Enjoy!

Easter 2010

What a wonderful family Easter at Todd & Jenny's home!

Lots of: sunshine, food, plastic eggs, candy, chocolete, football, playing, sitting, talking, fun, family, and grandkids

(ALL 14 of them)!

Click HERE to view my Easter 2010 Photoshow to see some Easter pics:) Enjoy:)

Out of Death Comes Life...

Mom Meyer passed away and went to Heaven on March 25, 2010.

Our 9 year old grandson, Isaiah B. accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour on March 26, 2010 as a direct result of his great grandmother going to Heaven!

Isaiah called us to tell us about the decision he had made for Christ. His mom and dad have talked to him about this numerous times but it wasn't until the death of his great grandmother that he decided to do something about it!

He was at school...thinking ALOT about his great grandmother dying and going in Heaven. He said to himself, "It's about time that I made a decision about becoming a Christian!" And that is what he did at school seated at his desk! He sat there and memorized John 3:16...writing the Bible address "John 3:16" on his paper and adding the expression "God Rocks!" Holy Spirit was doing a mighty work in his heart.

After coming home from school he told his mother and dad exactly what he did and then called us to share this Good News!

How this blessed our hearts for Isaiah's conversion experience after mom meyer's death confirmed to all of us that God has a purpose for our lives until we take our very last breath...until He calls us to come home...His timing is perfect, His ways are right!

Halleluiah, What a Saviour!

"For God so loves the world that He gave His only begotten son,

that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

SO MUCH...SO MUCH...

Where to begin...there are SO many lessons we have learned, SO much joy we have felt, SO many tender mercies from the Lord we have experienced, so much...so much...so much!

Warren and I had the priviledge to spend the last 18 days at mom's bedside until she left earth and walked (or I should say ran) to Heaven into the arms of Jesus, her personal Lord and Saviour. I say ran because one day I told her that when she saw Jesus to just walk to Him. She replied back to me that she was going "to run to Jesus!"

Mom was SO ready to go to heaven and at times wondered why her earthly body wouldn't let her go!

In her last days she was surrounded by the love and care of her sons: Warren and Johnny, daughter-in-loves: Kathy and Cindy.

She was surrounded by the joy of her grandchildren: Stacey, Chris, Todd, Amy, and Kelley. In there own ways they ministered to mom as mom ministered back to them!

Much delight was brought to her by her great grandchildren: Abbie, Katelin, Parker, Mallory, Isaiah, Grant, Camden, Riley, Kassidy, Dakota, and Macey. They brought her such special joy as they gave her fresh spring flowers picked from her yard, sang to her, read the Bible to her. She delighted in playing "this little piggie" with her namesake, Macey Saramae!

What a godly heritage mom has left behind! And what a precious ordained journey Father God has allowed us to walk these past 18 days. Indeed we have been blessed beyond measure!

Click HERE to view my photoshow of mom's last days.

Click HERE to read her online obituary.

The Schubert Gkids!

We love being "neenee" and "granddad"

Click HERE to enjoy a photoshow of 6 of them!

HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY, Isaiah!

Isaiah was born a month early

(by C-section since he was in the breach position).

The pic below is of the first time we saw Isaiah

in the hospital nursery.

Look at him now!

Nine is fine!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Zae!
We love you soooooooooooooooooooooooo much!

Birthdays 3-in-1

2 brothers

plus 1 neenee!
The boys bd party was planned but got snowed/iced out:(

My 60th "surprise" birthday party has been postponed since gson,

Camden, was in the hospital at the time.

Such is life! I am reminded from scripture that

God allows us to make plans but He orders our steps!

Click HERE to see the "somewhat" birthday photoshow:)

My Gorgeous Birthday Flowers!

My Valentine & Prince Charming!

Picture taken August 22, 1970
I love this man forever & a day!

The DIY Dish

I have been a member of the web site: You Can Make This for over a year now. When I first found this site I was delighted and it just keeps getting better. I am a member of all their sister websites too: Swak Embroidery , You Can Quilt This . These sites and their blogs are about sewing, crafts, cooking, crochet, home decor, embroidery and more. Check them out and I know you will agree too!

They are now launching The DIY Dish Web Show. Check this out - you will be glad you did!

To celebrate the launch of this new show, Janome are letting them give away TWO dream machines! Someone is going to win the Janome 350e EMBROIDERY machine and a second person is going to win the Janome DC4030 SEWING machine! Now how cool is that?! There are so many ways to win - so check out their site (click on the link above)!

Check out DIY Dish's launch video HERE on YouTube.

Warrior is a Child

Lately I've been winning battles left and right

But even winners can get wounded in the fight

People say that I'm amazing

Strong beyond my years

But they don't see inside of me

I'm hiding all the tears"

Chorus)

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down

They don't know who picks me up when no one is around

I drop my sword and cry for just a while

'Cause deep inside this armour

The warrior is a child

Unafraid because His armour is the best

But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest

People say that I'm amazing

Never face reteat

But they don't see the enemies

That lay me at His feet

(Chorus)

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down

They don't know who picks me up when on one is around

I drop my sword and cry for just a while

'Cause deep inside this armour

The warrior is a child

I drop my sword and look up for His smile

Because deep inside this armour

Deep inside this armour

Deep inside this armour

The Warrior is a Child

Click HERE to listen to this sung by composer, Twila Paris)

Toothbrush Rug

My first toothbrush rug! If you have never heard about this old tradition of rug making read the history of this craft below. This rug is made with NO sewing involved! The colors, materials and designs are endless. You can make them oval or round and I imagine you could even come up with how to make a square rug too!

The finished project: 27" X 20" oval toothbrush rug

The History of the Toothbrush Rug

The orgin of this rug is an old Scandinavian technique that was used to make mittens, hats, and even milk strainers of all things. The original complex technique was brought to the United States by immigrants long ago. It was modified during the 1930's to the easy method that we use today. This is thought to have been done by WPA workers in Minnesota.

These rugs were very popular during World Wars 1 and 2 as well as the Depression. All of which were times when fabrics and money were scarce.

Though a toothbrush rug looks similar to a braided rug, it takes half as much fabric. In the decades following the Depression, the Toothbrush Rug all but disappeared, until the early 80's when the craft was rediscovered and passed along to students from all walks of life.

And I might add they are so fun to make and helps one use up their fabric stash or old sheets, etc. If you are interested in how to make a toothbrush rug just google it...there are lots of free sites to check out how to and some with free videos to watch.

A Blanket of White

Our first snow of 2010...

so beautiful, peaceful, and quiet

out here in Skiatook, OK

Click HERE to see my photo show of the snow.

Enjoy!

The Fern and the Bamboo

By Paul C. Kerr
One day I decided to quit. I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. "God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer surprised me “Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?" "Yes", I replied. "When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water.

The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo". He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed.

But I would not quit. He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle." He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you.

Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful." "Your time will come," God said to me. “You will rise high!" "How high should I rise?" I asked. "How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return. "As high as it can?" I questioned. "Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can." I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.

Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you Happiness.
Bad days give you Experiences.

Both are essential to life.

Keep going.

Happiness keeps you Sweet,

Trials keep you Strong,

Sorrows keep you Human,

Failures keep you Humble,

Success keeps You Glowing,

But Only God keeps You Going!

Have a great day! The Son is shining!!

God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love
And so small he can curl up inside your heart.

Just the Right Look!

If you have viewed my blog over the past few days you have seen that I keep changing it:) I have not yet found just the right look that I'm wanting:( So bare with me and hopefully soon I will find what I want:)

Look Who's Two!

Savannah Reagan Meyer

And TWO CUTE she is! Seems like just yesterday we were all celebrating her 1st birthday. Even though she was not feeling well during her birthday party, we all had a great time celebrating her life. Click HERE to watch a photoshow of this wonderful event in our fam's life! Enjoy:)

Be Still...

Be still and see the salvation of the Lord. Exodus 14:13-14
Be still by the side of the Lord. Exodus 33:21
Be still so you won't miss the great things God is doing. 1 Samuel 12:16, Job 37:14
Stand still and see the deliverance of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:17
Be still. It's the antidote to fretting. Psalm 37:7
Be still and know He is God. Psalm 46:10
Be still before the Lord. Zechariah 2:13a
Let Jesus rebuke your storms, "Peace, be still." Mark 4:39

ABC's Children Are...

Amazing, acknowledge them.
Believable, trust them.
Childlike, allow them.
Divine, honor them.
Energetic, nourish them.
Fallible, embrace them.
Gifts, treasure them.
Here Now, be with them.
Innocent, delight with them.
Joyful, appreciate them.
Kindhearted, learn from them.
Lovable, cherish them.
Magical, fly with them.
Noble, esteem them.
Open minded, respect them.
Precious, value them.
Questioners, encourage them.
Resourceful, support them.
Spontaneous, enjoy them.
Talented, believe in them.
Unique, affirm them.
Vulnerable, protect them.
Whole, recognize them.
Xtraspecial, celebrate them.
Yearning, notice them.
Zany, laugh with them.

© 2001, Meiji Stewart
Used with permission.
Visit www.PuddleDancer.com
to see more ABC writings.

Hubby on Ice...

Warren just had to check out our frozen pool. The pool water has been freezing since before Christmas after the temperatures started dropping. Our pool cover was partially blown off during the 2009 Christmas Day Blizzard too. Click HERE to view a video of Warren on the ice!

New Year's Resolution by Picture!

We moved our tread mill back into the house from the garage. We also put our small television in just the right position so we can walk and watch!

Now we REALLY have NO EXCUSE not to walk!

416th Post!

WOW! Didn't even know I had this many post until I added them up! I'm not so sure how I like this background on my blog...sorta overwhelming, but I am tired of working on it so it will stay for now! Will definitely change it again in the spring .

As you can see on my sidebar, I have posted our family's 3 January birthday pics...check them out!

We had a most WONDERFUL Christmas with all the family here....even got a white Chriatmas...which caused us to move our Christmas gathering to Saturday, December 26th since the roads were too slick and hazardous to travel on the 25th. We have learned that anytime is a holiday when we are together as family! How blessed we are!

If you haven't viewed our White Christmas 2009 Photo Show, click HERE and sit back and enjoy!

Today for the first time ever I completed "Read Your Bible in a Year". It has been a blessed and challenging journey in reading the Word of God. My heart's desire is to keep His Word top priority in my life...not just to read it but to live it out...one day at a time!

As you can see...

this is a work in progress! Come back soon for the finishing touches:)

Merry CHRISTmas!

The JOY of Christmas is JESUS
Jesus Christ is....
The message of all that God has to say to us
The fullness of all that God has to give us
The essence of all that God wants us to be.

Jesus, the word of God incarnated
The image of God revealed
The fullness of God imparted
The glory of God reflected
The grace of God extended
The power of God demonstrated
The heart of God expressed
The love of God manifested
The salvation of God provided

Click on the words above (The JOY of Christmas is JESUS) to view a devotional video .

Enjoy and be blessed!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I am now making my own laundry detergent. The savings are less than 6 cents a load compared to 12-30 cents a load. Also there are NO additives that may irritate the skin and since it is low suds it will work great in any energy high efficiency washer. I have a front loader Maytag.

Here is the powdered laundry formula:

• 1 bar of Fels Naptha Soap
• 1 cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (NOT baking soda)
• 1 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax

Directions for making: grate the soap; then mix all together. Store in an air tight container or bag. (I use an electric Salad Shooter grater to grate the soap...fast and easy!)

Normal loads: use 2 Tablespoons
Heavy Loads: use 3 Tablespoons

I have read good reviews about this formula...you can also make adjustments to these amounts...to get the best outcome for your wash. There are also directions for making liquid laundry detergent, but I prefer the powdered...takes up less room for storeage.

I am able to purchase all these items at our Ace Hardware in Broken Arrow, OK. If you cannot find these items at your locale then you will have to order them online. If you have an Ace Hardware and they don't carry these in their store...ask them to stock them.

In the meantime you can order them online from Ace Hardware by clicking HERE. Walmart carries the 20 Mule Team Borax, but none of the other items. Also you can do a google search on each of the items and may find some deals out there. Click HERE for a deal on Fels Naptha Soap.

This is what it looks like all mixed up. The yellow ingredient is the grated Fels Naptha soap grated. I bought the scoop at Walmart. It came two in a package and says one-eighth cup. One heaping scoop is 2 tablespoons. So this works great!

I found this plastic wide mouth container at Walmart and added a label on the front.

This would make a great Christmas gift too:)

In my research of laundry soap making I also came across a recipe for fabric rinse. I haven't tried it yet, but will in the near future.

Fabric Rinse formula: 1 gallon white vinegar, optional- add 25-30 drops of essential oil for scent.

Use 1/4 cup in the rinse cycle. Will NOT smell like vinegar, but clears the last bit of soap from cloths & reduces static.

Give this a try...get clean, smelling clothes and save some money!

Messing Around...

As you can see I have been messing around with my blog. I started working on this at 9 p.m. and now it is a little after midnight...ugh:( I have been having fun with this and learning alot from "Dotty Dot Dot's" blog. She has lots of info on how to do stuff to your blog...that is when you have time:)

Better call it a day. By the way that white stuff falling on my blog is snow:)
Goodnight and sweet dreams:)

Decking the Halls...

Click HERE to see our Christmas Decorating Photoshow!