We stopped at Cracker Barrell on our way up to Alabama to have lunch with the Abernathys and Taylors. While we were there Britt kept grabbing at and putting his hands in my grits. So we decided to let him have a taste. Needless to say he's not tried going for my grits since.
This past week was the Harmony Highlands Singing School. We learn alot about how to better lead and follow, and how to better use the gift that God gave us (our voice) to sing His praises. We learn alot about pitching songs, and picking apropriate songs for the situation and place. We learn about service to our God and one another. We work and play together, and swap stories. We often sit around and listen to older members tell us about their times in the Church and how God has blessed them.
But in the middle of all that we learn we also have a whole lot of good fun. The above is some singing the combined adult and highschool class did before lunch on Friday, just for fun. (Included is How Happy's Every Child of Grace, How Strange is the Course, and Blow Ye the Trumpet Blow.) Below is a song that we sung a year or two back, that we are working. It should give you a little idea of how we try to learn something that we are unfamiliar with. (The Countless Multitude on High.)
But in the middle of all that we learn we also have a whole lot of good fun. The above is some singing the combined adult and highschool class did before lunch on Friday, just for fun. (Included is How Happy's Every Child of Grace, How Strange is the Course, and Blow Ye the Trumpet Blow.) Below is a song that we sung a year or two back, that we are working. It should give you a little idea of how we try to learn something that we are unfamiliar with. (The Countless Multitude on High.)
1:49 PM
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5:08 PM
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Britt is getting stronger by the day. He spends more and more time on his belly each day. He is able to lift almost his whole belly up off the floor when he really tries. He can also see his dog on the floor and scoot backwards till he gets to it. He is officially 5 months today and I can't believe it. Last week we started letting him sit in the highchair while we eat supper, he watched Gary's fork so intently going from his plate to his mouth and back again. So, we gave him a spoon on Friday. He picked it up, played with it, and chewed on it. We plan to try him on solids when we get home. He also squealing now when he gets excited. I love it, but Gary not so much. Enjoy...
8:37 AM
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This Sunday you will be 5 months old, and alot of things have changed since we found out that your mother was pregnant last year. We put alot into planning for you before you ever got here: the bedroom set up, clothes for you to wear, toys for you to play with as you got older, not to mention all the Bradley classes and health stuff so that you would be as healthy as possible.
It has definitely been different for me to hold someone so fragile who only weighed 7 lb. 12 oz, but who now weighs over 14 lbs, and to watch you grow not only physically but to see your expressions and personality develop. Actually I'm very thankful that so far, we have been blessed with a strong and healthy baby boy. Though at times you have been difficult, you have (for the most part) been an easy going baby. You have a good routine for us in the morning, you wake up in the morning and I change you before I carry you to Momma for breakfast. You seem to have a very calm and happy demeanor. I enjoy it so very much when you stand up in my lap. You have grown so strong that you stand for long periods of time and only need my hands for balance.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleYit3YPBtpgio4rtLaoLoH7gVgenyeHc0ffHwvRLRieZ67t6EQntDmOjIKlmHeynegXmYswq2hOHk4bVIjgaJgFkxH6fU_6NTWumniDn30XBATKexwDOTO7saEKK8M-6choaPQ/s200/Britt.jpg)
It means so much to me that you seem to be happy. Even when you tend to be fussy or crying for attention you seem to have a big grin on your face the second we walk up to you to talk to you. I hope this is a good sign, that we are doing something correct. I have already failed many times, but I hope to be there to encourage you and instruct you as the days pass. It's so hard to believe that you are already 5 months old. It seems like it was just yesterday that I held you for the first time, and looking at all your little fingers and toes, commenting on what a tiny little face you had. Now you have grown so much, and if I didn't look back at the pictures I'm not sure how I would have noticed. You mean so much to me. Your happiness and safety mean the world to me.
One thing that I hope I am able to teach you is honesty, because honesty is more than just doing the right thing, than being responsible. It's an action yes, but it's also a way of thinking. Also, being an honest man means that when you say something you mean it and if you don't mean it you don't say it. There are things in the world that you can't change, but the way that you act and think, and to treat other people with respect is your responsibility, what you do is no ones fault but your own. Your word should mean something; you can have a positive, if not a constructive example for others. I hope and pray that I can be a strong example of an honest man for you.
I am thankful for the Lord's blessing - a loving wife and a healthy boy. Sometimes I can't even begin to comprehend or explain how the Lord has blessed me, and not just the big things but the little things. The time we spend together each night and early in the morning. Singing you to sleep with "Amazing Grace." I just want you to know that I love you very much.
Daddy
One thing that I hope I am able to teach you is honesty, because honesty is more than just doing the right thing, than being responsible. It's an action yes, but it's also a way of thinking. Also, being an honest man means that when you say something you mean it and if you don't mean it you don't say it. There are things in the world that you can't change, but the way that you act and think, and to treat other people with respect is your responsibility, what you do is no ones fault but your own. Your word should mean something; you can have a positive, if not a constructive example for others. I hope and pray that I can be a strong example of an honest man for you.
I am thankful for the Lord's blessing - a loving wife and a healthy boy. Sometimes I can't even begin to comprehend or explain how the Lord has blessed me, and not just the big things but the little things. The time we spend together each night and early in the morning. Singing you to sleep with "Amazing Grace." I just want you to know that I love you very much.
Daddy
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRsa4PB4HJ6bO1IYoblQyx28aY7TJ3cLFaFmRPE6FoanXzZN5In17GumQlDeEfB07DnNL17S8542_Mq9rqZUj1TridMbaxjg9rP0jt6NKZdHw0INLQprtnLAJNZALcEDUob4LVg/s200/Gary+and+Britt.jpg)
12:05 PM
No random thoughts
Gary and I started reading the Bible the week before we got married. We started with 1 Proverb and 5 Psalms a night, and after that first month, we started with Genesis and worked our way through a few chapters a night. We were about to start Revelations when the morning sickness kicked in, and we quit reading each night.
First it was morning sickness, and then I was exhausted, and then the baby got here and I learned what exhausted really was. Ha ha! We finally got back to our nightly reading in the last week, and today we finished the Bible.
I am ashamed to say even though I have studied, I had never completely read it all the way through before. I have started reading it several times, and some how Deuteronomy always kills me when I go in order. Every other time I have started reading a big school project or trip or something has always interrupted me. It has been my failure to not make it more of a priority. However, I am so happy to finally have read it all the way through. Gary feels the same way.
We aren't sure if we are going to read it all the way through again, or if we are going to study something in particular. I have been spending a little time each day (during Britt's afternoon nap) studying Esther again. Whatever we chose to study I know that there is lots of learn. Sometimes I feel like I understand parts, and other times I have some light, and then other times (like the entire book of Revelation) I have no clue what's going on. I look forward to learning more and more about Him.
First it was morning sickness, and then I was exhausted, and then the baby got here and I learned what exhausted really was. Ha ha! We finally got back to our nightly reading in the last week, and today we finished the Bible.
I am ashamed to say even though I have studied, I had never completely read it all the way through before. I have started reading it several times, and some how Deuteronomy always kills me when I go in order. Every other time I have started reading a big school project or trip or something has always interrupted me. It has been my failure to not make it more of a priority. However, I am so happy to finally have read it all the way through. Gary feels the same way.
We aren't sure if we are going to read it all the way through again, or if we are going to study something in particular. I have been spending a little time each day (during Britt's afternoon nap) studying Esther again. Whatever we chose to study I know that there is lots of learn. Sometimes I feel like I understand parts, and other times I have some light, and then other times (like the entire book of Revelation) I have no clue what's going on. I look forward to learning more and more about Him.
10:14 PM
No random thoughts
The first project that we tackled was the front steps. At the bottom of the steps were a bunch of uneven different size cobble stones. Everyone who has come up and down those steps since we got here has tripped at some point, so we pulled them out, leveled it, and put in pavers.
The next project was to put edgers around the flowerbed from the car port to the steps, then from the steps around the corner and down the side of the house. This was a longer project, because I had to dig up all the weeds and grass that had grown into the bed. We also planted several plants, seeds, and I even moved the Monkey Grass around. I'm hoping to get some Tiger Lillys from Mother while I am home to put down the side of the house in between the Monkey Grass.
I have been asked about the cats now that they are outside only. Mara seems to love it and she spends most of the day out and about. She is only home in the evening and early morning. In the heat of the day she lays in the pipe that runs under the road. Brodie on the other hand isn't loving it as much. However he has adjusted. He stays on the porch most of the day, and follows me around in the yard much like a puppy dog. However, once I crank up the lawn more, he hides under Troy's shed.
I get out in the yard for some peace and quiet around 9 while Britt is asleep, and the cats keep me company then. Later in the day when Britt and I go back out, he sits in the stroller and babbles at me, while Brodie is napping on the porch. Britt really loves it outside and he just looks straight up at the trees watching them move in the breeze or down at the grass. It always makes me think of the time that Daddy told Benjamin that the trees make the wind blow, and at 5 or so, he replied, "No, silly Daddy! The wind blows and makes the tree move." He used that afternoon in the yard to illustrate the same point the Lord did, that we have no influence on the movement of the Spirit of God, but just like the wind He goes when and where He pleases, and does what he wants without our influence.![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaaLY5OM0CZXvl9zjxNdhKJGGoYclJnmlVcgLGJfs8AAtt8TUFlX-YjAeAvOFYo4BmQ5l5BX8Xr4q7bC-59j3Spc2pVKQUfI2bw3QPNGsV6-jWVHH1ZpWVcA2IlxjTFT0eTZSZQ/s200/DSCF0072.JPG)
9:57 AM
No random thoughts
Baby Hailey Gowens - She had her heart surgery and is doing great! She stayed in the hospital for a week, and only had one scary bout with air in her chest. That little gal is a fighter and the Lord has been with her the whole way.
Baby Nate Ferrel - I'm going to have to quit calling him a baby soon, he's looking so big. He had a sleep test at the end of May, thank goodness everything looked prety good. He is havig some sleep apnea, but not CO2 or O2 problems. Nathan isn't sleeping right, but at least at this time he does not require any respiratory support at this time. He had a bit of an energy crash, but after a week of good naps was back to normal. He is doing great these days.
For spiritual growth in our Churches.
Little James Mizel - He had a hearing test, and he does not need tubes right now! He does have a little fluid in the middle ear so he'll have to come back in 3 months for a check up. Also he has started putting his left foot flat on the floor for about 20-30 seconds at a time. So right now they plan to keep working with him, and not go to braces or shots. He has finally had his OT evaluation. Right now they want to see him every other week for a couple of months to "watch" him, he is having a little trouble with his range of motion from left to right. But he is doing well.
Melissa Green - I have been unable to get an update on her, but I understand that she is still taking chemo.
Rebecca Hutchinson - Gary and I visited with Rebecca tonight, as they celebrated Gary turning 30. She has alot of shots every month, but is about the same. The great news is that the MS that they first thought was very agressive isn't getting worse.
Baby Nate Ferrel - I'm going to have to quit calling him a baby soon, he's looking so big. He had a sleep test at the end of May, thank goodness everything looked prety good. He is havig some sleep apnea, but not CO2 or O2 problems. Nathan isn't sleeping right, but at least at this time he does not require any respiratory support at this time. He had a bit of an energy crash, but after a week of good naps was back to normal. He is doing great these days.
For spiritual growth in our Churches.
Little James Mizel - He had a hearing test, and he does not need tubes right now! He does have a little fluid in the middle ear so he'll have to come back in 3 months for a check up. Also he has started putting his left foot flat on the floor for about 20-30 seconds at a time. So right now they plan to keep working with him, and not go to braces or shots. He has finally had his OT evaluation. Right now they want to see him every other week for a couple of months to "watch" him, he is having a little trouble with his range of motion from left to right. But he is doing well.
Melissa Green - I have been unable to get an update on her, but I understand that she is still taking chemo.
Rebecca Hutchinson - Gary and I visited with Rebecca tonight, as they celebrated Gary turning 30. She has alot of shots every month, but is about the same. The great news is that the MS that they first thought was very agressive isn't getting worse.
11:33 PM
No random thoughts
Last Sunday several of us took a trip down to the beach, that was some time in the planning. Kelsey first mentioned wanting to go with a bunch of us, and the other teens-early 20 somethings agreed, and somehow Gary and I were dubbed chaperones. We told them to pick either 1st or 2nd Sunday in June, and we would go after Church. They picked 2nd and then Gary thought, maybe some of the other parents with kids would like to go, and then we thought maybe so in so would like to go, and what about this sister and that brother. Before we knew it lots of people were planning on going.
We supplied the hot dogs, buns, condiments, and paperware. Everyone else just had to bring their drinks and sides. We had tons and tons of chips, cookies, cake, potatoe salad, and even more fun. We had a total of 31 there including the babies. No one remembered to bring a camera but us, and to be honest we didn't remember to take very many pictures, but enjoy these few...
We supplied the hot dogs, buns, condiments, and paperware. Everyone else just had to bring their drinks and sides. We had tons and tons of chips, cookies, cake, potatoe salad, and even more fun. We had a total of 31 there including the babies. No one remembered to bring a camera but us, and to be honest we didn't remember to take very many pictures, but enjoy these few...
9:49 PM
3
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Julia is light as a feather (or 7 lbs 11 oz) and oh so tiny (19 1/2 inches). Made me wonder when Britt got so big all of a sudden. Brystal just adores her and runs around "helping sissy." We weren't able to get any pictures of the three of them, because Heather didn't feel up to it, so you'll have to settle for pictures of us with her.![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnD0lqqp123YnaxwbQZ_rMKBBYoMEiLNyEuajRV5urQ6QEmfoxgxclyesHxIhqrWpUmMj2X5LVc4RYbKPFg_ecWKHpl7yqV7vEH59FthyphenhyphenQT5RS7ENcPRhqwgJ0c-NH3qRZETRhuA/s200/DSCF0011.JPG)
9:34 PM
No random thoughts
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EpGA2c0lbgD4Ad1Ilp8E212pzcNaGBaG2xj9EveDBzQtDooTKTX-dLweXNczsL61ez9emjIhEn72QsZOpCzRMK8p0BTsys2PMC8Bi385VRP6DaUWnh1JVa36GMXI8vYjVpZWEA/s200/Charoit+of+Fire.jpg)
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Everyone knows Elisha. Elijah picked him and Elisha watched as Elijah was caught up into the clouds in a chariot of fire (top picture). Some kids called him baldy after that and he had 2 she bears kill a bunch of them. He raised a woman's child from the dead (above) and later after he was dead two different dead bodies touched his and were brought back to life. A woman who was left with nothing after her husband died he blessed to pour oil from a jar into a whole bunch of jars which not only paid her debt but was enough to live on (below). He healed Namaan of leperousy and when his soldiers offered Elisha gifts he refused (very bottom picture). He did lots of amazing things through the power of God.![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen6hZfAW9ojjV_u7t9RudyDg4wH1mQDYKsNwJ72mbzqqZnTyGHKGRd_Z4oUDT3_A-YPqhZ2FL8yiuElRe5XwaqW3bucqAIxUslWsjY8OC9Jajs3B2Ls8Ue0TB9OYrBuNTpDleKg/s200/Filling+Up+The+Jars.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen6hZfAW9ojjV_u7t9RudyDg4wH1mQDYKsNwJ72mbzqqZnTyGHKGRd_Z4oUDT3_A-YPqhZ2FL8yiuElRe5XwaqW3bucqAIxUslWsjY8OC9Jajs3B2Ls8Ue0TB9OYrBuNTpDleKg/s200/Filling+Up+The+Jars.jpg)
So needless to say, I NEVER in a million years would have guessed that we would have a problem with people calling him Alecia Britt. You know like a girl's name. Everytime we go to the doctor's office I have to correct them and say, "Elisha, like the prophet. He's a boy." It's just slightly annoying and sad. I mean he was only like the greatest prophet of the Old Testament.![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2X-1wGZUFQCtHQ2isb3c558I5M5t6vWoRmllC_aPPx1aum3R4q0sgrA8zi816vHf-6QpbWoHLtTSFB1wfgYcrxfOy3eRtgc63DyV0Qzl7_8_DEIS7wQN38BckCA4wglh0Ol2P1g/s200/Numaan's+soldiers+offering+gifts.jpg)
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5:06 PM
4
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