Getting settled

We have made the move from Georgia to Tennessee. Seems like it was a whirlwind of a few weeks. And it was! I have just gotten the internet up today and am thankful for that. We expect the Directv to be installed Friday. You don't realize how you depend on that until it is gone!

The boys are doing well. We hope to start home schooling next week. They need a routine and some things to keep them busy. You can only play Xbox or Nintendo DS so many times a day. I think they are ready for school, honestly.

Steve's job is going well. Everyone has been really nice and he is excited about this position. Lots to do, but he is loving having a challenge.

I am well. Missing my friends, but know that this is where God has placed us. He promised us a "hope and a future" and I know that part of that future is here in Tennessee.

Until next time,

See you soon!

Kathy

Big changes in a short amount of time

Sorry, I have not updated in what seems like forever. We have been sooooo busy. After school was completed, we headed off to Georgia Press Association at Jekyll Island. It was so nice to relax at the pool, play putt putt with the boys, and enjoy time as a family. The Clayton Tribune picked up another first place prize for General Excellence. This makes the 6th time in eight years. So proud of them!

We returned home and started with Travel baseball and All-Star practices. Seth played first base and outfield for their teams. That took nearly every weeknight for practice and most weekends playing ball. But we had a blast watching him and seeing him enjoying being a kid.

We do have a bit of news. Steve is leaving The Clayton Tribune after 8 1/2 years as the publisher. God has impressed on our heart that it is time to leave. He has allowed Steve to accept a position as the publisher of the News-Herald in Lenoir City, Tennessee. It is twice weekly, plus has some other responsibilities that will challenge him. His first day is August 15. Please be praying for us as we make this transition.

One more bit of change is that I am going to be homeschooling the boys this school year. It really has nothing to do with moving and more to do with giving them a different perspective and opportunities. We are all very excited about it and am anxious to see how God works in our family through this.

So, we have plenty on our plate, but know that God is in control. We refuse to say goodbye to our friends in Rabun County. This has been our home for nearly 9 years. We have brought home a baby here, seen kids baptized, buried friends, married friends, and fell in love with the people and community.

Until later,


Kathy

God's will for my life

Over the past several weeks and months, I have been wrestling with what is God's will for this season of my life. I know that He desires that I share His love with others and that I should go to church and be active in my congregation. I know all of that. But what more does He desire of me? With regards to my children, my influence over them and those around me. What would He have me to do, say, or what avenues to pursue?

We have been studying 1 John in Sunday School for the past several months. But this past Sunday, Steve (who is our SS teacher) hit on a particular piece of Scripture that seems to be answering my question. "This is the confidence that we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5:14-15.

So there is my answer. I have been praying over a particular scenario for nearly a year. I believe that God has placed a "want to" in my heart about this. And in the heart of my husband. I am trusting that God will answer this prayer in accordance to His will. In fact, Scripture teaches that He already has. Now I just simply have to trust Him to make this happen. I don't think that doesn't mean there won't be sacrifice required; there usually is. But I know that I can trust Christ for my yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows.

Until next time,

Trust and Obey.

Busy, busy, busy

Wow! Time flies when you are having fun. Easter has come and gone and now summer is almost here. We have been so busy at the ball field, getting ready for Caleb's graduation, church, school, and work.

The tornado that came through Rabun County last week devastated the lake. It is heart breaking to see people's homes and memories blown away. Literally; but God is faithful and spared all but one person during this fierce storm. We have heard countless stories of His goodness to people and thank Him for His protection and provision.

School is almost over and we are busy taking CRCT, addressing graduation announcements, and seeing how many Accelerated Reader points we can get before the end of the year.

AWANA is almost at an end also. Both Seth and Luke have done so well this year. They have both completed a book and have learned so many verses. I am so proud of their hard work and thankful to our church for providing a ministry that not only can I bring my children, but have the opportunity to be a part of myself.

Seth has begun playing travel ball and this past weekend was their first tournament. We spent Saturday and Sunday after church in Candler, NC at the Easton Spring Challenge. It was lots of fun, but is certainly different than Little League. You can steal bases and there is a much shorter time limit on the game. So you had better keep the other team out of the dugout and on the field so you can bat. You play at least 2 games a day, so you had better be ready to give all you have and then do it again next game. But they had a great time. We had a record of 1-3 for the tournament but the boys were so excited as they won their last game. Seth made the game ending catch in right field and you would have thought they won the World Series. Maybe this win will propel their confidence into the next tournament.

Things are not going so well for the Rabun Razorbacks.

Taking a break between games.

Getting ready to lay down a bunt.

We won! 12-8 and I caught the final out of the game.

Until next time,

Go Rabun!

Happy birthday Luke!

 Luke Brantley Meadows is six years old today. 

April 8, 2005

April 8, 2011

Where has the time gone?

Until next time,

hold your babies close. They grow up fast!

AWANA Derby Night

Tonight was Race Night at Clayton Baptist Church. Each year the AWANA program hosts a derby car race for the Sparks and for the T&T boys and girls. Last year Luke was too young to race anything but a Hot Wheels car so he was very excited to be able to race a "real" car.

Steve took the boys to the work night two weeks ago and cut our their cars from the block of wood that is provided. He then sanded it, painted it, and added the wheels. This past Monday was a test night to see  how well the car would make it down the track. Ummm, Seth and Luke's cars didn't do so well. Neither one even made it down the entire track. Back to the drawing board.

So he has been working on it most of this week. I decided to raid my scrapbook supplies in order to decorate them. Luke had a red car and I was able to find Spiderman stickers. His Spiderman car was way cool. Seth had an orange car and we were able to turn it into a baseball car. Both boys were very excited about their cars, and that's all that mattered.

But, tonight was the race! Luke's age group was first. We held our breath as he placed his car in line with the three other cars. And he won the first heat! His car was the fastest! Wow!!! He then had to wait until later to run against the other winners. That was as far as the Spiderman car would advance in the bracket, but at least he won a heat. And he received 3rd prize for the Sparks in car decoration. He was tickled. And so were Mom and Dad.

Now that Luke's car had done well, we hoped Seth's would also. We were shocked still when he won the first heat he ran. And then he won again and again! Seth wound up being the Grand Champion for the T&T kids. He was overjoyed. It was really nice to see him so excited. Steve was flabbergasted that he won!

So, all in all it was a good night for the Meadows' race team. Guess that means the stakes are raised for next year. Thank goodness we have a year.

Until next time,

We are the Champions!  (Hee Hee)

Seth with his trophy, ribbon, and winning car.

Luke with his 3rd place medal and ribbon.

New Recipes, Part II

Some of you have asked for the Creole recipes I fixed tonight. They were yummy! Hope you enjoy.


Andouille Sausage Creole

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 large green pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 3/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley leaves

Directions

Combine oil and flour in a Dutch oven; cook over medium heat, stirring, until mixture is golden colored about 10 to 15 minutes. Add onion, garlic, green pepper, celery and green onions. Cook, stirring often, 10 minutes or more until vegetables are tender.

Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, seasoning salt, bay leaves, 1 cup of water, hot sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and sausage. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and cover. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaves. Garnish with parsley and serve over grits, if desired.

*Could use shrimp or chicken instead of the andouille. Or, you could substitute smoked sausage if the andouille is too spicy. Make it the way your family likes it!

Cheesy Cajun Grits

• 3 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup quick cooking grits
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar

Directions

In a large saucepot combine 3 cups of water, milk, Creole seasoning and salt. Bring to a boil.

Whisking, add grits in a slow steady stream. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in butter and cheese. 

Until next time,

Enjoy a little Louisiana tonight!