Monthly Archives: July 2010

Engaged

This was posted on by .

“The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” (Psalms 126:3)

The time our families had together last week was very special. Toward the end of that week I asked Anna to be my wife, and she said “yes!”.

Our current prayer is that God will provide a facility (in Washington) and a date (hopefully in October/November). We also hope to Live Stream the wedding so that those who would like to, but are not able to be with us in person, can still be a part.

We are so grateful for your prayer support as we begin planning a wedding and our future life together. The desire of our hearts is to bring God glory through this process and our life together. We love each other very much, are thrilled that God has brought us together, and look toward the future with excited anticipation.

Update on Melanie

This was posted on by .

We continue to rejoice as each day passes. Melanie is now almost 34 weeks. Each week is an exciting mile-marker as this baby stays inside. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Contractions seem to be picking up some but so far are manageable and don’t require bedrest or added medical care!!!!

We did a hospital tour last week. While there we asked to see the NICU — not out of a true desire to see it but out of wanting to be a little bit prepared should we need it. Without going into whether we liked this NICU (ok… we didn’t… different hospital from our previous times) we so long to *not* need a NICU for this baby. We hope the child can be spared the trauma and added “care” a NICU brings; it also means that Abigail’s momma isn’t away from her for very long – both of which are very important to us.

It just so happens Melanie has started to get flowers about every two weeks or so. I’m looking forward to seeing her get her 34 and then a 36 week bouquet!

Specific prayer requests:
-Once we pass 34.5 weeks, we have a choice of two hospitals. Neither is conveniently located. Which one is God’s will?
-Child’s name – names are very important to our God.
-Delivery method

Thank you for praying.
Nathan

Melanie and I

“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass” (Psalms 37:5).

What a Visit

This was posted on by .
Sweet Anna H.

So many projects were accomplished this past week:

  • Polishing all the cabinets
  • Cleaning blinds
  • Washing curtains
  • Washing walls
  • Taking nails out of the walls downstairs
  • Preparing the walls to be painted, which involved a lot of mudding and sanding (thanks, John and Michael!)
  • Weeding
  • Running conduit for network cables
  • Finishing out the shed (a huge project: Matthew and Joseph spent several days working on it)
  • Painting, lots of it!
  • And talking…
Polishing cabinets.
Gracie helping...
Mom
Mrs. H.
Anna
Joseph doing the electrical.
Matthew
Michael and John
Jesse painting.
Family Bible Time--the whole group, including Grandad, Grandma, Nathan, Melanie, and Abby!
Working at Christopher's house...
Gracie (her nickname right now, since she's also a Sarah :-))
John and Michael did a lot of mudding and sanding on the downstairs walls.
Matthew and Joseph finished out Christopher's shed this week. They put in lots of hours, and the shed looks incredible. Good job, guys!
The sweet couple.
Mr. H.
Mr. M.
Someone's initials!
Smile.
The two Sarahs

We are very sad to see the Hamiltons go, after such a blessed time of fellowship. But, we hope to see them again in August, so the parting is only temporary!

Sarah

“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus”
(Romans 15:5).

Jamesport, Missouri

This was posted on by .

Our visit with the Hamilton family continues to be a blessing. Tuesday, Dad had planned for all of us to visit Jamesport, Missouri, a small Amish community two hours from here. We also brought Abby along, since Nathan and Melanie had a full day of doctor’s appointments, and they needed someone to take care of her. She was a joy to have along!

We visited several stores, and the one I found the most fascinating was a furniture store. Because the Amish do not use electricity, the store seemed dark as you stepped in, but then your eyes adjusted to the dimness. The wood furniture and hand-crafted items were interesting to look at, and the quality is wonderful.

Sarah

Anna H. and Christopher
Mr. and Mrs. H.

On our way to the furniture store, we drove past an auction, which we stopped at on our way back into town. It was a produce auction, with many locals attending. I guess it was obvious we weren’t from the area, as someone came over and asked where we were from.

Mom and Anna
We ate lunch at a little restaurant packed FULL of people. In fact, when all sixteen of us trooped in, it became a rather entertaining sight.
The guys' table.
The aunts' table (Aunt Sarah was taking the picture). Abby had a great time :-), and she provided much enjoyment to the people at surrounding tables.
The courters' table.
Downtown Jamesport
A neat sight!
Walking

“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love” (Ephesians 3:16-17).

A Wonderful Church Service

This was posted on by .

It was a joy to have such a group Sunday morning, and yes, time is going by fast with the Hamilton family. It’s a delight to grow closer as families (and it goes without saying for a certain couple)…

Taking prayer requests
The special music from all three families (with Sarah as the piano player)
Christopher preached: and he gave a practical, visual example: he was showing the importance of putting off the "old" before putting on the "new." It doesn't work to cover up the "old" with the "new."
The courting couple talking to a sweet lady, who is very thrilled for them.

”Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus” (Romans 15:5).

Making Tortillas

This was posted on by .
Uncle John was helping Abby roll the tortillas out. Notice all the flour on Abby?!
Oh, but they're good to eat.

“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Timothy 6:8).

Tortilla Recipe for those who may want it

10 cups whole wheat flour
1 TB. plus 1 tsp. salt
1 c. melted butter
4 cups water

Mix the flour and salt together. Melt butter and add to the flour/salt mixture, stirring until the butter is in small pieces. Add water slowly, until a nice consistency. If it’s too sticky, you’ll have trouble rolling the dough out, but if it’s too thick, you’ll have trouble too. It might take a little more water or more flour. Let the dough (in a bowl) sit on the counter for an hour or two, covered by a towel. When you’re ready to cook them, pre-heat fry pans (dry) as you’re ready to start rolling the dough out. Portion the dough into golf-size balls as you need them. We no longer use a tortilla press but a good rolling pin and flour-covered pastry cloth. Roll dough into a nice circle but not too thin. Then, cook on a dry griddle, letting each side cook only 1-2 minutes, being careful not to overcook (which happens quickly: you want a nice, soft tortilla, but if cooked too long, you’ll find it leathery!). Enjoy!