The Finished Product

Here it is! All 21 1/2 jars of tomatoes and 23 jars of salsa. Whew! Glad that job is over with. Wonder what will be next? Maybe apples ....

CANNING AND MORE CANNING!

I've been making salsa practically all day it seems. Someone from church gave us three five-gallon buckets of tomatoes. Hmmmm ... what to do with them. Yesterday, we canned two of the buckets which came out to be 21 1/2 jars. With the last bucket we planned to make SOME salsa and then can the rest for tomatoes. Well ... we kept chopping and dicing, and chopping and dicing, and then decided to make just one more batch .... then, oh yeah, we have a few more peppers left, we can probably make another batch to add to it. I'm FINALLY finished now, and it is simmering on the stove. The aroma is absolutely wonderful! We'll see how many jars we get of this. I'll have to post a picture of everything we've canned in the last couple of days. For now, though, here is a picture of the salsa I've slaved over all day today.

Family Reunion

From left to right: Donald Rish, Bonnie Baney, Charles Rish, Mary Corder, Weldon Rish, Chester Rish, Gilbert Rish

Here is a picture of all my dad's living brothers and sisters, except one, my Aunt Judy, who resides in Idaho. Dad and Mom went to a family reunion in Michigan a few weeks ago where this picture was taken. I haven't seen my aunts and uncles for many years, so it is refreshing to at least have a picture of them. There were twelve children born into Dad's family, with three of them dying at birth, and his oldest brother passing away a few years ago. I really wanted to go to this reunion, but our family had just traveled to this same part of Michigan for a short vacation. We really didn't feel like repeating the same trip again, especially with Joshua on board. :o) Maybe we can go next year if another reunion is planned.

First Visit

Yesterday we traveled to Cincinnati, and visited Christianna for the first time at God's Bible School and College. There were a few items she was needing, and it was also Revival with Rev. Chris Cravens. Christianna did not have to work Wednesday, therefore it was a good day to drop by. We met her, dropped off her things, and left for LaRosa's Pizza for supper. After a nice meal together, we attended the evening Revival service there on campus. What an awesome, but simple sermon on "Jonah"! Jonah did not like the people of Nineveh, but he cared for them anyway! Are we sharing the gospel with just the "likeable" people, or everyone, including our enemies? Wow, what a thought from Bro. Cravens! Anyway, we talked a little after church, and then set out for home. We were happy to see Christianna and spend some time with her.

Changes

We took Christianna to God's Bible School last Tuesday morning. She seems to be having a nice time thus far. She started classes today, so we'll see how things continue to go. We are missing her, but we are thankful she is in good hands. We are praying that God will use her and make her a blessing to others. We would appreciate your prayers for her. In addition Evangelyn started a job at Burger King today. She is taking over where Christianna left off. The manager was willing to hire her to replace Christianna. So, needless to say, there have been many changes in our lives of late, but God has been with us and I know He will never forsake us.

All Dressed Up

I thought Joshua looked so cute in his outfit yesterday for church that I just had to take some pics. Also I'm sharing a picture of him taking his nap. I thought it was such a cute pose.

Christianna's Going-Away Party

The church had a party for Christianna after Prayermeeting a couple weeks ago. They bought her a bunch of things she would need at college. This was so thoughtful and we appreciate it very much. Thank you Lima Pilgrim Holiness Church!! I've posted pictures of all the things that was given.

Vacation

Nathan, Evangelyn, Joshua and Christianna

The kids just had to get our picture! Lol

Playing in sand

"I can fit in this shoe!"

Joshua checking out the sand at Holland State Park, MI

Nathan on the "Zip Line" at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, MI

Joshua riding a "train" at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, MI

Musical Fountain in Grand Haven, MI (Sorry it's blurry)

Joshua riding on Daddy's shoulders

We're serious about our picnic! (Christianna, Joshua and Mom) Lol!

Since our summer was so busy, we really didn't have the time (nor the money) to go for a long vacation. But, we did want to get away for a few days before Christianna left to go to God's Bible School and College in Cincinnati, Ohio. We decided to head for Michigan and greatly enjoyed our time together.

Random Pictures from Different Summer Activities

Joshua climbed into our suitcase when I was getting ready to pack for our Anniversary trip

Beautiful roses!

Part of the two dozen roses my hubby gave me for our 20th Anniversary on July 29th.

Some of the children during V.B.S.

Group of kids for V.B.S.

Aaron "driving" the boat

V.B.S. props without lights

Kaitlynn and Aaron singing for the V.B.S. program

V.B.S. Program

"Sailing with Jesus, the Light of the World" Vacation Bible School

I am finally posting some new pictures. Our summer has swiftly flown by, and time has gotten away. With so many activities taking place, I just haven't had the time to sit down and update my blog. Enjoy!

Joshua's First Haircut

Side view after "cut"

All finished! (Showing off for camera)

He didn't like this part

It's lookin' good

Back view before "cut" (Pics are out of order)

For some reason I have two of the same. Sorry!

Cutting hair

Getting ready for his haircut

Joshua finally got his first haircut on Saturday. He really has not needed one until recently at 18 months of age. It was quite a challenge but Daddy was able to accomplish the task. I have placed a few pics of "before" and "after".

Graduation Party

Christianna and Sarah, a friend from church

Opening gifts

Bro. and Sis. Pope singing

Friends at the party

Decorations

Christianna with cake

Here are some pics of Christianna's Graduation Party. Everything went very well, and she had an enjoyable time. We were so glad our friends, Bro. and Sis. Pope from Indiana were able to come and share a song for us. It was such a joy and blessing. Once again, congratulations Christianna! We are proud of you!

Christianna's Graduation

Congratulations Christianna!

In the backyard

Our family

Grandpa and Grandma Baker with Christianna

Grandpa and Grandma Rish with Christianna


The Graduates

Before the graduation ceremony


Christianna graduated on Saturday, June 6th, in Columbus, Ohio from high school. She has been homeschooled through an Ohio charter school called the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, better known as ECOT, since ninth grade. She was awarded the privilege of wearing an honor cord during the ceremony since she has received good grades throughout high school. Needless to say, we are very proud of our daughter. Congratulations Christianna! She plans to attend God's Bible School and College in Cincinnati, Ohio this coming school year.