Gluten-free Goodness

This is the BEST gluten-free brand I have found and I can barely say the name: "kinnikinnick." Weird, but good. I have not had one product that has not been really good. I bought a package of cookies 2 days ago and let's just say there's not many left. oops.

Companion in the Lord

I was just thinking today that I don't have very many pictures of Lori and myself. I guess the number of pictures one has does not indicate the sweetness and strength of a friendship! I was just thanking the Lord during this break, as I have had much time to myself, snow storms and all, that I have someone like Lori, with whom I can spend time doing everything from running, talking, praying, cooking, and eating! :)If it weren't for her, I'd probably be about 10 pounds heavier, considering the amount of running we do together! She may think that because I have been a christian for longer than she has, that I know more, or I am stronger than she is; however, because of her, countless times the Lord has softened my heart, revived my love, and has sprung up within me. Often as I would consider my own condition and situation before the Lord, the Lord would gently lead me to consider her, saying, "Forget about yourself, what about her?" How much we need the Body of Christ and all the dear members! It reminds me of the words of the apostle Paul: "Because now we live if you stand firm in the Lord." Lord, keep us standing firm in You, not for our sake, but for the sake of Your Body!

Camping Pictures!

Here's a link to our camping picture albums!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=129057&id=711520949&l=800d88e757

Labor Day in Arkansas

This weekend we took a road trip to Fayetteville, Arkansas...It's such a pretty state! We went on a hike at Fort Smith Lake and I, of course, forgot to bring my camera, so I'll add pictures of that later...We had a fun weekend filled with spending time with family, relaxing, and enjoying the fall weather you can feel approaching soon!

Isabelle and Aunt Natty were bonding while rockin on the front porch...notice my sweatshirt! (tribute to my Alma Mater)

Isabelle was a good little girl the whole time we visited!

Gabby was glad Uncle Ryan and Aunt Nattie came to see her

Ellie was sure glad too!

The weekend was quite relaxing for Ryan out at the Bishop's ranch!

Gus was thrilled about our roadtrip!


Ryan I like roadtrips!

A Wonderful Word

I have Him, not only what I have room for, but that which I have not room for, but for which I shall have room, moment by moment, as I go on into the eternity before me. I am like the little bottle in the sea, as full as it will hold. The bottle is in the sea, and the sea is in the bottle; so I am in Christ, and Christ is in me. But, besides that bottleful in the sea, there is a whole ocean beyond; the difference is, that the bottle has to be filled over again, every day, evermore.

A. B. Simpson

Talkin' Back

Gus is preparing me for when I have teenagers! :)

All Tuckered Out

Here you can see our little Gus. He has such a sweet personality and he loves to cuddle!

The Best Gift

This is Gustav Pagel..aka "Gus" He is the newest addition to our family and we love him very much. He is super smart, playful, and loves to be with his pack. Initially herding dogs, welsh corgis love to "herd," by running alongside the pack, making sure things are in order. He loves people and that is the best thing about him! There are no strangers to him...just friends he hasn't met yet :) Thank you Ryan for the best birthday present ever...I'm so glad we prayed about him, because he is such a good dog so far. I'll be posting more photos and videos of his antics, especially when I have the time!

Little Visitors

Our house is also a lounge and play pen for all of my nieces and nephew! Here is Isabelle, enjoying a Baby Einstein puppet movie...(she loves movies, just like her mama). Izzy--you can come over anytime...your aunt Natty knows how to relax!




Ellie was definitely ready to go for a swim as soon as she came to Aunt Natty's house. She wasted no time--stripping in the living room into her most adorable swimsuit and sunglasses!

Lookin' Sharp

Recently Ryan has had many job interviews so he's had to look super sharp. I, of course, had to grab the camera to take a couple shots of my man...He's so adorable. :)I only hope that the right company sees his adorableness. (He would hate me writing about him like this...oh well) :)

Feathering the Nest

I'm like the little red hen fluffing and feathering my nest. It's so much fun. I've found a new love of going around to bargain stores to hunt for treasures for the house. I've found some beautiful things....Some "blue and white" delft pattern dishes for decoration, a Cezanne print for the kitchen, and some hand-stitched napkins...In the living room some of my favorite themes are antique maps, Vermeer prints, and warm soft lighting. It's looking more and more like home and I'm especially enjoying my kitchen...wherein I have been making gluten-free dish specialties such as pumpkin cheesecake! So, please come enjoy our home with us!

Fun in the Sun

Cherith and the girls came down to our new house last night for a quick visit. Ellie would not stop talking about going swimming with Aunt Nattie and Uncle Ryan...so we took the girls to the pool. Here's Gabbie all decked out in swim clothes because her skin is so fair. She loves riding around with Uncle Ryan.



Jason and Lori came over and Ryan grilled some more on his new grill. It was delicious! Cherith definitely approved of the house and gave me a rose-scented candle.

Great Helpers

Darryl fought hard for us this whole time...he was such a blessing!


Lori was a tremendous help...She helped me clean all day and then worked till 10:30 helping us move. I just thank the Lord for my sweet sister!

Grill & Reward

Ryan woke up this morning and popped out of bed saying, "I have to mow the lawn!" He went to Lowe's to get a trashcan and we came back with a grill! He spent several tedious hours putting it together and all he had only eaten a bowl of cereal because he was so excited!

Around nine o clock at night, we finally grilled some chicken and hamburgers. Ryan ate a chicken sandwhich, a hamburger, another piece of chicken, and then some ice cream! It was a wonderful reward for such an exhausting process!

Moving Day!

After a long long week, Ryan and I moved into our first home...The Lord worked everything out (and used Ryan's mom and dad). Yep, they're basically our heroes right now. (Along with everyone who helped us move, and our wonderful realtor, brother, and friend, Darryl. I'll post more pictures as I organize more!

I Survived the Davis Family Reunion

That's what my dad wanted a t-shirt to read after the family got together for a week. There were 12 adults and 7 grandkids (all under the age of 4). I can't tell you how much fun I had, seeing my brothers and sisters and enjoying all of their kids. Ryan and I were like the "aunt and uncle on-call" to hold someone, feed someone, distract someone, ect. It was awesome, yet tiring...amazingly exhausting.

It was so neat to be with everyone and see how the Lord is growing in all of us! When we all prayed together, I was overwhelmed with a sense of thankfulness for the Lord's mercy, that we could each be gained so particularly by Him! Of course, we laughed and laughed together, mostly at ourselves, but we share the bond of the Spirit as a family, and for that, I am so grateful! Thank You Lord!

Allison edited this lovely picture...I've decided to put up some of her pictures in my house...why should her talent go unnoticed? Ansel Adams...you got nothing on Allison! :)

Cherith deserves a special thanks...as always, she worked especially hard to make this possible...and Danny too. By the way, she made all those outfits for the kids. She's supermom. I know it well.

It's kind of funny...in my class about Administration in Higher Education, we share our experience working in administrative positions. I almost shared that I have extensive experience working for a senior administrator, and that senior administrator would be my big sister. :)

Words can't describe how much I love my brothers and sisters and their wives and husbands and sweet kids...What a blessing!

Happy Birthday Gabby and Olivia

Happy Birthday Gabby!
You are my sweet sweet girl!
I can't wait to come see you and kiss your sweet cheeks!

Happy Birthday Livvy Bug!
How I miss you so far away in California!
Please come visit me soon!

A Valentine's Day Poem: To my Sweetie

How can I find the words to say,
How fun it is waking to you each day?
I'm snuggly and cuddly, you're my target each night--
So thanks for never ever puttin' up a fight!

I smother you with hugs and kisses and such,
(I know I've made your little cheeks blush!)
But you can't blame me, since you're the one,
That made me love you like a crazy woman!

I like how you like to make things just right,
(You gently remind me to not forget the lights!)
You carefully handle the things I'd rather pass
Taking care of money, trash, and pumping gas!

I love to tease you and dance, singing all the while,
To make your dimples pop out, right before you smile.
Cooking for you, a joy to me brings,
Your taste buds savoring lots of new things!

You work so hard at whatever you do,
You often keep going when I say, "I'm through!"
You wrinkle your brow, run your hands through your hair,
I'll usually bug you, when it's high time for air!

Your pensive demeanor, your clear gentle eyes,
I am your treasure, and you are my prize.
So, this Valentine's day, to me is just another way,
To let you know, in the heart of this silly girl,
You'll comfortably stay!

I haven't forgot about you

Hello dear blog,
I just wanted to write to say that I haven't forgot you!

I feel a post coming up!