Old Country Cottage: July 2011

>> Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Today, dear readers, is a very special person's birthday!

I'm stealing these first two pictures from her blog, because I actually took them! :)

Lauren is one of those people who when you're around them, it's difficult to come away discouraged.

{At the Love the Church conference - December 2010}

She's a wonderful photographer! We like to challenge each other in our abilities and ideas.

{At LTC with a friend's camera}

She's very good at grocery shopping.

I know, that sounds funny. But it's true!

She did a series on her blog about grocery savings.

{At a grocery store helping prepare for a large meal on New Year's Day - 2011}

Her family and friends love her dearly. Especially her family :)

{Joseph (Lauren's brother) carrying Lauren through the tall "Savannah" grass - January 2011}

She also likes to play games family and friends.

Namely Settlers of Catan and Dutch Blitz.

Oh, and she likes popcorn... but who doesn't? ;)

{Catan night at her house - March 2011}

She is my Six Angles Florida buddy.

{My shot of her out on the Savannah - April 2011}

She loves dancing and singing and eating and fellowshipping...

Which can all be accomplished at the Spring Folic!

{In the bakery room at the Spring Frolic - April 2011}

She enjoys coffee, friends, and good lighting.

{At Starbucks for Jean's birthday - June 2011}

And she is one of my dearest friends.

{On abandoned railroad tracks, swatting away skeeters and laughing at ourselves - June 2011}

Lauren,

I don't think you'll ever know how blessed I am to call you my friend. You're always there

for me if I need you... whether I want your opinion on a photo, need help with a project, or if I'm

just feeling chatty and could use a friend to talk with. You're always encouraging and I never

leave your presence feeling empty (in my mind or stomach ;).

Thank you for being my "conference buddy" and toting along with me whenever we

travel together... I always have such a great time with you! Planning, sewing,

packing, driving... and that's just a smidgen of the fun! ;)

I hope and pray you have a fantastic, productive, beautiful, God-glorifying year ahead of you!

Much love,

Emily

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I saw this poem on a plaque hanging behind my Grandma's chair this evening...

This I would be—just a little bit wiser

A little bit quicker to see

What others need most when the going is rough

And the helping out’s left up to me…

This I would be—just a little bit stronger

A little more willing to try

So I’d never let even the tiniest chance

To make someone happy slip by…

This I would be—just a little bit kinder

A little more eager to spare

An encouraging smile or a few words of praise

To show someone else that I care…

This I would be if I just had my way—

All this and a whole lot more, too

For each one would bring me a little bit closer

To being a good friend like you.

~ Elizabeth M Gerus

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,

according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and

in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

{Ephesians 3:20-21}

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

>> Thursday, July 21, 2011

It seems I forgot a few birthday posts that I had intended to write up, so I'm going to hit three birds with one stone!

First up is Bethany. She turned 11 back in June. I was coming back from being at a sleepover on her

birthday, so I was definitely not up for writing her birthday post ;)

Receiving her award at the music contest.

{March 2011}

At Ben's Jiu Jitsu tournament.

{May 2011}

Processing chickens.

{June 2011}

Swimming on the Fourth.

{July 2011}

With me at a friend's 50's themed birthday party last weekend.

{July 2011}

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Next is Brooke. She turned 15 on the 12th. I was out of the house all day that day because of Ashlynn's

surgery, so I couldn't post her's on her birthday either.

I don't have many pictures of her... so that needs to change before next year ;)

With Leah at the county fair.

{April 2011}

Going out shooting on Father's Day.

{June 2011}

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

And most recent is Gabby. She turned 12 on the 17th. We actually had church at our house on her

birthday, so she was here! :)

Playing at the music contest.

{March 2011}

With Providence on our camping trip.

{April 2011}

With Leah and myself at Ben's Jiu Jitsu tournament.

{May 2011}

With her birthday cake on her birthday!

{July 2011}

>> Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Ashlynn was discharged from the hospital this morning! What a huge blessing this is.

Just one week after her open heart surgery, she is leaving the hospital on minimal medications!

What a miraculous event... God is so good!

Thank you, Father!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

While at the hospital, she learned how to take the oxygen out of her nose and put it in her mouth to blow

spit bubbles... how cute is that?

Also, she is now 9 lbs, 3 oz! Incredible!

{Smiling at her Mommy}

{Clear face!}

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A note from her Mom on Facebook:

For anyone who does not believe in the power of prayer and God, take a look at our Ashlynn! The doctors

said she could end up being in the hospital for WEEKS recovering, and 1 week from the day of her open heart

surgery, she is heading home, on minimal medications! Pretty miraculous if you ask me ;)

Many, many thanks to everyone who has been praying for them. We are just thrilled that they are

able to come home so soon. We will continue to pray for them in the days ahead as well...

{Photos from her Mother}

>> Thursday, July 14, 2011

Praise God for a successful surgery!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

They actually found another problem with her little heart during surgery that put her at an even higher
risk than before, but the doctors handled it with wisdom and discernment and she is recovering now.
It could be anywhere from 5 days to a few weeks before she is able to come home.

A massive "thank you" to all of you who were praying Tuesday (and before & since).

We have all been so blessed to see God working in our midst and seeing His providence before us.

Please continue to pray for her recovery and the road ahead...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

{Pictures from Ashlynn's Mother}

Ashlynn, in the hospital before surgery.

Post op, Thursday

Again, with her pink camo blanket and country music playing :)

I made that blanket for her as a "tote along" size before she was born, and little did I know she would be

so small for so long and this would be a great size to keep with her! What a blessing from God.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ashlynn Update: Surgery Today!

>> Tuesday, July 12, 2011

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ashlynn's surgery is today...

...scheduled for 12:45pm, but could be as early as 7:30am.

Please continue to pray for Ashlynn and all involved in the surgical process!

She could be in the hospital for a few weeks after surgery - so please

keep everyone in your prayers regarding that time as well, if you would.

Thank you!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

{Picture from her Momma}

Friends, Food & Music

>> Monday, July 11, 2011

A few of my favorite things!!

The M family invited us to come enjoy some food, fellowship and music last week, and we are very

thankful for their hospitality and generosity... we had a wonderful time!

They have this wonderful cabinet for their mixer. It just pulls out and up, you click it in place,
and then you start working! It stays plugged in inside the cabinet.