MMS Open House

Since Chris' passing I have been privileged to continue to work at MMS Aviation. One of the guys once told me that it was good to have an Abernethy in the hangar again...that comment meant so much to me. The first year was hard because I often felt like I wasn't really doing much. I know that Keith appreciated me answering the phone, but it didn't feel like enough to me. On the way home one day I began comparing myself to the mechanics in the hangar and wondering how my time at MMS was making any difference. The Lord immediately rebuked me and told me to remember the story of the widow and her mites. He then asked me how much more I could give than I was at that point. "Nothing more," I told him. He then told me that He didn't expect any more of me at that time. That year in my school curriculum I received a widow's mite coin that was made into a necklace pendant. I often wear that coin to remind me that the Lord doesn't expect anything more of me than what I can give. I so enjoy the times that I am able to participate in MMS activities. This weekend we hosted an open house to make people aware of who we are and what we do up at the top of the hill by the airport.

Jenny and me manning our "post" at the food table.

This little radish mouse was made by Isobel, or in house Pampered Chef guru. The radish mice were popular and much enjoyed by our guests.

The best part, I think, of working at MMS is having the privilege of continuing to serve alongside my sisters in Christ. Rena, Karen, Michele and Jenny are godly women and I am so glad they are my spiritual sisters.

"Caleb Bunyan"

JoAnna took this picture of "Caleb Bunyan" getting ready to cut down the dead tree.

This spring in our new house has been fun as every day we watch to see what flowers will bloom in our yard. One thing I did notice was one of the trees out back that didn't develop leaf buds. Tonight while the children and I weeded around the house I noticed several branches broken off this poor tree. As I explored the tree and pulled on a branch it snapped right off. I made a comment about the tree having to go and before I knew it "Caleb Bunyan" had a shovel and an axe and this picture was the result. "Caleb Bunyan" took care of the dead tree. Great job Caleb...now are you going to dig the hole for whatever tree I decide to replant in it's place??

Dana turns 40

This is our special plate. Whenever a birthday comes around we pull out our plate for the special person. Today was my day to use the plate. Years ago I found Happy Birthday material and I made a placemat, which is, also, pulled out for these special days.

Here I am with my cake, which Lydia decorated for me. The girls picked out the fun candles...at least Wal-Mart didn't have the "over the hill" candle that another local store had.

Every year since Chris' death we have donated money to have luminaries lit, in Chris' memory, during our local Relay for Life event.

JoAnna in front of her Daddy's luminaries.

In front of Chris' luminaries.

JoAnna's Locks of Love

Lydia and I have both donated hair to Locks of Love. Locks of Love is an organization that uses human hair to make wigs for children who have lost their hair for medical reasons. JoAnna has been growing her hair to donate for this worthy cause. Today JoAnna begged me to cut her hair b/c it was getting too hot on her neck. I warned her that her hair was going to be short and after measuring we snipped off her long locks. Her hair is very short and I didn't do the best job of getting it even in the back, but it will grow back. She loves her hair, even though Lydia keeps teasing her that her hair is "boy short". She's okay with her ultra short hair and we even bought some new flower clips and headbands. I reminded JoAnna that her hair grows fast and that the little girl (or boy) who gets her hair will be thankful.

Before

After

After, pretending she has long ponytails.

This is Lydia 3 years ago, when she cut off her hair.

Lydia Learns to Drive the Tractor

Lydia begged and begged Caleb to teach her to drive the new tractor...which he reluctantly did. One day she drove down to the burn pile and picked up some mattress springs from the previous owners...they had burned a mattress and left the metal springs behind. She keeps trying to come up with things to do so that she can drive it more. I'm sure that by the time summer is over we'll put the tractor to good use.

Spring

Caleb mowing the lawn with his new toy...er, I mean our new lawn mower. I own 2.7 acres and the new mower will be used for many years to come...and it should last for even longer!!

The girls helping me weed the flower bed in front of our house.

Maia waited patiently for the screen door to open so that she could enjoy the beautiful weather with us.

JoAnna bought me these flowers for Mother's Day. She wanted to put them in her room and give them to me on Sunday. I told her that I would enjoy them more if she would put them in a vase on the counter and let me see them every day.