My Book List

In the past, I've kept a book list and checked them off as I completed each one. I found this method very helpful. Now I want to keep myself accoutable for the year 2010. My goal this year is to read 10 books. (I'm starting a bit early!)

Currently Reading: Anne of Green Gables, Love that Last, and Husdon Taylor's Spiritual Secret

Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs (audio version to listen together with Kevin)

Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp

When Sinner's Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gosepl for Marriage by Dave Harvey

Love that Lasts: When Marriage Meets Grace by Gary and Betsy Ricucci

Faithful Woman and Their Extraordinary God by Noel Piper

The Life Model: Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You, The Essentials of Christian Living by James E. Wilder

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery - Read

Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in NEed of Change by Paul Daivd Tripp

Hudson's Taylor's Spiritual Secret by Dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor (complete reading together with Kevin)

The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer

The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun & Paul Hattaway

Writing Tools: 50 Essentials Stratagies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark

O Christmas Tree

We were thrilled we found this live Christmas tree on sale!

Kevin making sure the tree was sturdy.

Our first Christmas as a married couple!

Look at our little tree topper. We seriously needed to upgrade, so Darleen's family brought over a bigger topper for us. :)

The finished product

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because hw as of the house and lineage of David;)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, while they were there, that days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign upto you, Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.'

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying, ' Glory to God in the highest, and on each peace, good will toward men'" (Luke 2:4-14).

Kissing Santa!

Click on Our Newsletter (above) and you'll find our recent Christmas newsletter!!

Let the Show Begin

December is here! Of course, snow came with it! December has been a busy month for our little family. Christmas baking, Christmas music, Christmas parties with family and friends, and much more. With all the hustle and bustle, many might over look the true meaning of Christmas. My cousin over at Homemaker's Cottage defines the Christmas like this, "a spirit (attitude) of thanksgiving, joy and giving, and one that keeps Christ in the center of celebration."

Christ was born, Christ was born to die, Christ was buried and rose again the third day!

"Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..." Last week we had our first drop of snow!!!
Brrr.... it was cold outside, but inside it was cozy with the wood stove working.

The ALERT Men's Chorus came to perform a concert at our little church! Everyone enjoyed the Christmas hymn and carols!

L-R: Timmy, Benny Ceausu, & Byron Waltman (my brother)

Of course, the goodies were scrumptious.

Giving Thanks

"O give thanks unto the LORD, for HE is GOOD" (Ps 136:1a)

As I look back over the year, I cannot help but give thanks to God for his bountiful blessings to us. First, in February, God united my life with Kevin's life! The joy I've experienced has been amazing. The knowledge that I've married God's best man for me was worth the wait during my single years.

Second, our new found family is adding in number. A beautiful baby is on the way! (I know our baby is beautiful, because God has made him/her wonderfully made!)

There is more and more and more to give thanks to God for...Thanksgiving Day has come and gone, but the time to give thanks to the Lord will always be here...

In November, my Uncle and his family traveled from Indiana to visit my family. For the Thanksgiving weekend, we were able to spend some time with them as well.

Here are a few photos to recap that week:

Kevin's gunSkeet shootingI jumped in for a photo (Kevin had to work this particular morning)Twyla The entire Waltman Clan

Cousins

Snow is in the air

Forecast update for Tennessee...

We should be having snow tonight and tomorrow!!! :o)

By the way, I'll be posting a Thanksgiving post very shortly!

What will it be?

Boy or Girl?!

It's a Zoo Day

Obviously, we've been tremendously lax on posting updates on our blog. So sorry... You see, my Camera has been malfunctioning and needing a visit with the Fix-it-Man. It has been just recently that Cam can shoot properly again. However, with other busyness, I haven't made the time to post either...

So.. with some good pictures from the zoo, I thought everyone would enjoy seeing what I captured:

I think he is a pretty good catch, don't you agree? ;o)

Here is a photo taken by Kevin... artistic, eh?


Previously, I've always tried to give the impression that the zoo animals were taken somewhere other than in the zoo. For example, try not to show the cages, bars, etc...but zoom in, snap a photograph that would give the image of being totally free in the wild. With that, here is the elegant Scarlet Macaw. God truly has made things beautiful! I just love the vibrant colors? By the way, Mr. Macaw could even say hello!

The common Monarch butterfly.

Kevin snaped a picture of this Blue Butterfly

Kevin took this pictures of the African Wild Dog.

A Self-Portrait, using a rock for a tripod!

It was quite warm by mid-afternoon at the zoo. I found it very refreshing sitting under the sprinkler system!

A cute baby money born in 2008. Isn't he still very little?!

Kevin-- monkeying around.

Now, remember, at the zoo, you seriously don't want to fall in with the animals. It can be very hazardous to the health and well being of the animals if they decide to eat you for lunch. Not to mention, it might not be too pleasant to be considered some-one's lunch. :)

The Rhinos were having a bit of a hustle

I loved the RED Panda-- he looks so snugly. :o)

Kevin demonstrating the proper mount on a tortoise

Ride 'em, Cowboy!

Independance Day was an exciting celebration! We enjoyed the day with Darleen's family and the Ceausu family. Thanks to Mr. Ceausu, we all had a chance to ride his jet boat and do a little water tubing.

Here are a few pictures snapped throughout the day. Enjoy!

A Post? A Post? Shall We Post a Post?

Um... Life has been extremely busy these days. Kevin has been working full time, and more. Any moment he has off, it is time for extra sleep, Tutor Training for a home-based job position, and travels to various locations.

As for me, morning sickness hits at various times of the day, so in between spurts of nausea, I try to accomplish all the tasks around the house, cooking, cleaning, and a little reading. (Currently, I'm reading three books, a Tale of Two Cities, Vanya, and a child rearing book.)

In our travels, Kevin and I drove down to the Nashville Advanced Training Institute Conference. It was superb! Various speakers spoke powerful messages about Christian living. Also, we were able to visit Biblical Missions WorldWide (BMW) June 10th, a mission board located outside of Atlanta, GA. It was a great time of fellowship with the state-side BMW team. We learned a lot and are now praying about what direction God would have us to go.

Summer is almost here, isn't it? The weather in Tennessee has sure heated up... We praise the Lord for Air Conditioning! :)

Well, a better update will soon follow.

'Till next time, Tally HO!

Camping Citico

The weather has been a beaut these days. It has been sunny, warm, and breezy. Perfect weather for camping.

Kevin and I took a two day camping trip at Cherokee's National Forest this week. What a delightful time we had together. We were able to get away from the norm of busy life, spend some quality time together, experience God's beautiful handiwork, and take time to praise God for the many blessings He has given to us.

The area we camped totally picturesque. Unfortunately, I failed to bring along my SLR Canon camera. I missed my good friend. Nonetheless, I did carry the compact Canon Powershot camera. It did the job it was supposed to do: capture an overview of our time together.

Here are a few snaps shots of our time in Citico, Tennessee:

Feeling accomplished after setting up camp.

Supper with a side of Pork and Beans

We had to take a self portrait together!

The creek bank just outside our tent.

Chilling the Crush!

It took a while to start up our fire, but Kevin did a fine job at getting a good blaze that lasted all through the night.

Using a rock as a tripod and setting the 10-sec timer, we snapped a couple's portrait.

Not forgetting this! :)

Citico Creek

Kevin all snuggled up for the night. Warm!

Together

On a camping trip, always bring a cap, unless you want to display your bad hair day.

Goofing around...

Apple-Cheddar-Sausage Quiche was for breakfast. It was scrumptious!

Our morning devotions.

Butterflies

After breakfast and devotions, we headed for a long hike. Along the way, I found this pretty flower tree.

Here we are again.

I was really missing the SLR Camera by this time...

We found a box turtle taking his time on the trail.

Kevin and Mr. Tortoise posing for a picture.

Kevin with his trustee truck. (Note: this truck has been a great blessing. With the purchase of our travel home in Nov., this truck was included in the price. We still cannot believe how perfectly God has provided for our needs. When the times comes for mission deputation, this truck will haul our home around.)