Joseph's first kill....

Joseph is officially addicted to deer hunting. He killed his first deer Jan. 17th, 2009. The deer was a 5 point. Dad says he made a perfect shot. Lots of thanks to Mr. Jeremy who not only loaned Joseph a muzzle-loader but had a special cleaning "ceremony" for Joseph afterwards! Oh...I can hear the future hunting and fishing stories told by my young son. It's a family tradition among the Crouse's!!

The newest addition to our family....

We have adopted a new member of our family...introducing Miss Sadie. She is a full blooded great pyrenees. She is going to be a huge dog when she grows up!! We are having so much fun with Sadie. She's a tad bit spoiled too!

Beka holds her like a baby...but give Miss Sadie a few weeks...she'll be a big girl!!

THE ABOVE PICS WERE TAKEN IN JANUARY AFTER WE FIRST BROUGHT SADIE HOME....HERE'S SOME UPDATED PICTURES:

FEB 2, 2009

Sadie getting a needed bath:
Clean Sadie sitting in a box that holds an 11x14 picture:

Joseph and Sadie have this staring game that they play:

February 17, 2009:

March 12, 2009:
More to come....

May 7, 2009:
Joseph and Sadie playing...she's a bit dirty. She doesn't like getting a bath, unless it's her version of a mud bath!

Here's a game that they've played since the first day we brought Sadie home. They stare each other down until someone moves. Notice how Joseph is ready to move. Her size gives her the huge advantage now!

Hard to believe that she's grown this much in only 4 months!

Trusting...knowing...showing and loving

God has wonderfully blessed our family. My husband has sacrificed many things to give our family the life that God intended for us. Because of our determination to raise our children in the ways of the Lord, we have had to make several decisions that have not been "easy." One particular "not so popular" decision we made was homeschooling. It has been trying and nerve-racking at times, but it has also been very rewarding. Because we are not distracted by outside "peers" and activities, God teaches us very valuable lessons. We pray, God answers. We ask, He gives. We obey, He blesses. It's really simple. God's not at all complicated as some think, but He does not compete with distractions. I've taught my children that God likes the game, hide and seek. God seems to be hiding in this world...but if you will diligently seek Him...you will find Him. Once you find Him...the game continues...and each time you seek Him...He reveals more of Himself to you.

Today, God gave us a wonderful example. Somehow, Joseph lost one of his shoes. We turned our house upside down looking for his shoe. Usually Rebekah finds everything for us...she's very gifted in that sense. Even she couldn't find this shoe. We all had given up! Where could it be?

A really strange noise came from Joseph's keyboard in his room. I went in there to turn it off b/c it was somewhat irritating to me. When I walked into his room, I saw his one lonely shoe sitting on the floor. I asked God to "show" me...not tell me...but show me where to find his lost shoe. The crazy keyboard kept playing and as I reached for it, I knocked it over. I bent over to catch it and what do you think caught my eye??? Yep...the lost shoe. It was in a spot that everyone had looked at. How did we miss that? It just goes to show, no matter how large or small the problem, God is able and willing to help. Face it, we were not created to do things on our own. We were created for fellowship with our Father. He wants to be involved in the simple tasks as much as the complicated issues that occur in our lives. Do you think that this was mere coincidence? I don't. Why...because wisdom comes from acknowledging God in all his ways. David gave Solomon instructions before he passed on. He gave Solomon instructions, but the one David spoke to Solomon that really spoke to my heart was acknowledging God's ways. Solomon was wise in his young age but as he grew old, he departed from that wonderful wisdom. Solomon compromised God's ways, adapted to the paganistic culture and his kingdom fell apart. After Solomon's death, his son, Rehobaum, lost the empire and divided the kingdom. Think about this...what does this sound like? America was founded on God's principles and ways. This country was shaped by Biblical principles and prospered. America has slowly forgotten God...failed to acknowledge Him...allowed cultures to shape our principles...and now whether you like it or not...is becoming a divided nation! I think there's an important key here. WE NEED GOD! So...I don't see any coincidence in finding the shoe. I asked God to show me and immediately He did. Very simple...and as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

Sciple's Water Mill

Last week, we took a field trip to DeKalb, MS. It was so worth the drive. Needless to say, I had no idea of what we were going to experience!

I met this really neat fella named Edward Sciple. Mr. Edward operates the only water powered mill in the state of Mississippi. He grinds corn to make corn meal and grits. He sells an unheard of amount of corn meal a week!! He stays very busy and really enjoys his business.

When we stepped upon his property, we were taken back into a different time and place. A place that has been forgotten for many years. My great grandparents were farmers who primarily lived off the land. My grandfather used to tell me about life was when he was a young boy. Life was hard but simple. People were honest and the trustworthy. Even the humor was different. So sadly, that generation has passed.

Mr. Sciple has that old humor that's clean and generally funny! The nature of his personality was the true treasure that we found on our visit. I will say, if you have the spare time to visit, you should! Buy some of his home ground corn meal makes the best corn bread. Don't worry, if you don't know how to make it, his recipe is on the bag!

Mr. Sciple driving his golf cart

Mr. Sciple telling us some tall tales!!

The water mill

Lake behind the water mill...do you see the spider and his web?

A beautiful living portrait...

God has connected us with some really wonderful people. One particular couple we've connected with was the strangest but most familiar encounter I've ever had. It's amazing to meet a stranger and have that person seem familiar once your spirit connects. I know this sounds really odd and unusual, but God does ordain friendships and will place you in certain paths for a purpose. These people tend to impact your life immediately!

My friend and I met together for coffee yesterday. We had such a wonderful conversation about our lives by sharing our thoughts and hopes. We then prayed for each other, each other's families, our churches and our nation.

After our prayer, I saw in my spirit (imagination) a beautiful framed portrait. The portrait was framed in such lavish pure gold. The portrait focused on a great, powerful king. The king was clothed in a royal robe that had a long train. He had a glorious crown on his head and held a scepter in his right hand. A servant was posed to the side of the king while kneeling to this majestic king. At that moment, the portrait became "alive" so to say. The king placed his robe over the humble servant and knelt down face to face with the servant.

This living portait was so beautiful. I'm sure there's some very symbolic meanings to this portrait, some of which I can interpret. I would rather you "see" this portrait yourself and let it become alive in your life.

Beaches...

We took a family trip to Navarre Beach this past August and we had a blast. Since then, the kids and I are begging George to move!! He could easily get a job as a RN or Nurse Administrator! I guess though, the first hurricane and we would be grieved! I'd love to live there during the winter months. It's just an amazing place. Maybe one day down the road we'll live there...maybe???

I just came back from FL this past Sunday. Some friends from my church and I got this wild idea to take off. IT was the best trip! We laughed about everything that could be funny and everything that wasn't funny! Jaya and I have been friends for a long time and I really enjoyed spending time with her that's outside of church. Jaya's so full of life and laughter. Watching her and Sarah cut up reminded me of my times with my cousin, Amy! Sarah is such a crazy lady. She's a down to earth gal with a twist of lime!! She's got a come-back for every statement! Leta...she's the female version of George!!! She kept us all laughing. She made the trip so much fun!!! I had much fun. I'm so glad God has given me such great friends. It's awesome to be on the "same page" with others. I have been needing a trip like this to put the spring back into my step.

Short cuts

Beka has never had length cut off her hair. Two reasons: her daddy and locks of love. We wanted to cut Beka's hair after Mrs. Audrey's wedding, but her daddy thought we should grow it a little longer before we cut it. Once we got ten inches for locks of love, it was time. We went to see Mrs. Sybil and she styled Miss Beka up!! Later on that day, Beka spoke to her daddy on the phone and he was a bit shocked! She told him, "Don't cry daddy...it'll grow back!" That was so funny to me....she's such a big girl! Needless to say, George thinks she looks adorable with her new hair cut. Some fortunate little girl will get a new hair do too.

Final results: ADORABLE!!