From Quebec to Califonia

A few weeks ago, we enjoyed a visit from the Adams family. Originally from Modesto, but currently living as missionaries in Quebec, this homeschooling family was traveling through California to complete some law exams necessary for their studies. They had found our blog online, and contacted us via email about meeting each other while they were in the area. It was great to visit and learn about their unique life in Quebec and the way the Lord is working in their lives.

After the chess game,
They offered to help bring in an old/but new to us hutch that Mom found at an antique store. It was exceptionally heavy, so we were glad for the extra man power.

With the weather turned cooler, and the hill beginning to turn green again, a walk outside is both energizing and satisfying to the 'beauty palette'. In addition, walking and visiting just seem to go together.

Jeremy enjoyed a fellow guitarist!



Thank-you Adams family for the visit. It was great meeting you!

Something is missing . . .

Can you tell what it is?

New Office!

November 12, 2009


Thanks to the Lord's goodness, Dad's business, Mangini Associates Inc., Telian, Parish, McClain, celebrated the opening of their new office building October 14, 2009. I was asked to snap some photos of the event, which spelled 'fun' for me! Through the past few months, I have had the opportunity to step into this world, my Dad's world, a bit more. It is hard to explain what it means for a daughter to see her Daddy in action, to meet the men who work with him and witness the sincerity of their respect for him, to see the fruit of his honesty and integrity. My heart swells with praise for God's work in my Father throughout his life.



The ribbon cutting- don't you love the scissors? The middle couple is Dad's partner and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Telian, while the couple on the left is Mr. and Mrs. Chris McClain, the other partner in the business.







This is Dad, Grandma Shirley, and Great-Grandma Lucille, with Rick and Susan Mangini, the original founders of Mangini Associates. Mr. Mangini has a great sense of humor as you can see from the picture below. :-)





The office gals: Candace, Bridget, and Julie.



Dad and Jesse G. have been working together for years, and he appreciates Jesse's work ethic and honesty. It's wonderful for friendship to coincide with work.



It was a blessing to share the evening with Mr. and Mrs. Werzinski! The
Carter and McCracken families were able to come as well. It meant so much to share the evening with our dear friends.



Before Grandma Shirley moved in with Grandma Lucille, she worked with Jamie McClain's mother. Their status as co-workers soon grew into friendship.



Dennis and Judy Hustsell,fellow believers have been a part of Mangini Associates for many years.

I apologize for the pictures on this post that don't have an explanation. Format problems are to blame. :-)

Bye Simon . . . -sniff-

Simon has flown the coop. For 6 weeks at least. Amid the tears of his sister and streams of life counsel from his parents, Simon packed up his bedroom, hooked up the trailer to his truck, and set off to ATS, a heavy equipment operating school. We drove out together, he to the school, the rest of us to Monteray. After an In and Out lunch together, Simon followed us until his exit. We beeped and waved wildly until he disappeared, a grin that stretched from ear to ear on his face. WE MISS HIM! But Simon is in his element. Driving enormous heavy equipment every day . . . what more could a guy want? :-P

"Sometimes, flying feels too godlike to be attained by man. Sometimes, the world from above seems too beautiful, too wonderful, too distant for human eyes to see . . ."
-Charles A. Lindbergh

Labor Day Fellowship

On Labor Day, our family enjoyed great fellowship time with the C. family. We didn't know them very well before that day, so it was special to visit, hike around, make cards, and play games together. I snapped a few photos of the day, but unfortunately never took a family shot. Hopefully we'll see them again soon and get one then! :-)

Summer Days

Climbing tree's and summer days go hand in hand.

Living History: A Weekend From the Past

October 9, 2009

Dreams really do come true. At least, this one did. :-) Ever since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of being a Civil War Reenactor. I was convinced that Dad would enjoy it, and pleaded with him every year to join - all to no avail. Until this year that is. Thanks to friends, we were recruited into the 3rd Arkansas regiment. October 2-3, 2009 was our first reenactment as participants. It was a blast! Reenacting is about the closest one can be to truly experiencing the 1860's. This is both sobering and exhilerating. Something within me longed to truly 'get into character' and imagine that I truly was in the 1860's, to truly portray someone of the period, and stay 'in character' througout the weekend. Something just felt wrong to be chatting of everyday things when living in that atmosphere, wearing those clothes. However, another part of me rejoiced that my brothers 'deaths' on the field was all an act, and not a reality as they could have been back then.
All in all, reenacting was wonderful fun, and a great family hobby! Now for more research and sewing . . . :-)

Blessings to you,
~Sally

P.S. I was right . . . Dad loved it!


The 3rd Arkansas. Yay boys!!

Cavalry doing their best to flank the Federals.

All of our soldier brothers were gallant: dancing with us, offering us their arms, tucking their coats around our shoulders during the chilly evening, doing all those things that make a girl feel like a lady. Thanks for the special memories guys.

A courageous brother and sister.



The Stars and Bars

When Eden fell on the field, her fellow nurse uttered a piercing scream. It was a painful reminder of the many innocent lives taken during this bloody struggle.

The men of the 3rd Arkansas regiment drilled, marched, and fought with great discipline and precision. In fact, on a training day before the reenactment, our men were told that the regiment they were joining had a reputation for being this way, so they had better contribute and not mess it up!

The grace of this sidesaddle rider was a beautiful sight.

Little girls . . .

are so precious!

Daniel and Kendra arrived on Sunday. It was special to see them, and share the fun of the event.

Grampa lovin' on his Emmy!

Kettle Corn was quite popular for all ages.

Cuddles for sweet Charity Rose

The 3rd Arkansas marching down Main Street.

Spectators.

Here, a battle worn soldier is pushed back into line.

While another (Mr. Smith) though wounded, bravely stayed in the ranks.

There's our boys!!

These bright trousers on a Zuave soldier weren't the best camoflauge, but made for impressive uniforms.

Who is that handsome man tipping his hat so gallantly? :-) I love you Dad!

Mom, getting her cuddles in before a battle.

Sweet smiles

Beautiful curls

An angel of mercy tending to the wounded.

Our boys advancing.

A group 'smilie'.

And a group 'frowny'. In other words, 'authentic'. :-)

Mr. Smith is a fabulous cook! He served a delicious meal of roasted sweet corn, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, and steak, grilled over the fire. Everything tastes better when cooked over a fire, and this meal was no exception. Thank-you Mr. Smith!
The boys are here 'authenticating' Eden's apron. :-P

Confederate Privates Smith and McCracken.

Kaylee and I by the beautiful cavalry horses.

I fell in love with this camera. Isn't it wonderful?

Kayla is here helping the confederate field doctor preform an amputation. Whew! She has nerve!

Waiting to be called on the field.

Kayla, getting to know her fellow nurses and doctor.

'Behind the scenes'.
Joining the Confederate medical group.

Fellowshipping with family and friends was special.

While the men drilled, the ladies spruced up for the day. :-)

Breakfast in camp.

Happy Anniversary!

We are praising God today for the five years of marriage He has given Daniel and Kendra.

Happy Anniversary you two! :-)