Michigan District Fans

If you are from Michigan and would like to reconnect to old friends....Mark Welch has started a new website for former Michiganders and a site in Tribute to my dad...>Rev. W. R. Starr. Those of us that grew up going to the Michigan District Camp have lots of fun memories to share. (or me I lived there. and still have a spot there. lol) If you'd like to see old friends and share your memories/stories and pictures. There's a link below if you want to join.
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**My sister Alexa is dad's twin!!!












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**My Cabin--Spot on the old campgrounds...:-)

**Our old car on Mich. Camp..was Tom's Grandpa's Car.....
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http://www.afmzone.com/group/revsiswrstarratribute
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ps. Tell your Michigan friends....

Breath Deep and Don't Sweat the Small Stuff!

Fall is a lovely time of Year!

Sometimes it's hard to feel like fall in California. But, I love this time of year. I grew up in Michigan and I remember the trees turning various colors of oranges and yellows~a chill in the air....and dad would take us to pick our own apples and buy fresh made Apple Cider at Harrisons Orchard. Now, even if it's 70 outside...I decorate my house for fall. I know this tradition is a part of each of my family members. My sister in Florida decorates more than many I know. She has a wonderful Harvest/Fall scene on her front lawn. You create beauty and memories around you. Is it not in where you are or what you do not have....you make life as beautiful and memorible as you wish!!! (Yes, we learned that from our mother!!!)

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

With Sharayah in College and Josh getting ready for drivers training-us nearing our 23rd wedding anniversary....I asked Tom, "Where have the years gone?"....He said, "In all the little things you do day to day~it's gone in day's of taking the kids to the park and putting them to bed and taking them to school and helping them with homework and celebrating birthday's and holidays"...etc... I was very nostalgic thinking about those sweet little faces that are becoming very independent(which is God's way for us)! I loved those little stages of life! I guess in about 10 years when Jeriah graduates from school the two older ones may have a grandchild for me to dote on. :-)lol

A Natural born climber....if it's not trees...it's the roof.

Happiness is like a butterfly....

Healthy Snack

You can find it at health food stores. (link below if you don't have a health store near) I've bought the mixes at Whole Foods Grocers(my favorite grocery store)! I wanted to have something healthy to give my youngest and he likes the mixes that you make into drinks. My favorite fruit bar is the Berri/Berri.....it is wonderful! It has anti-oxidants. It's healthy and you can carry it in your purse...in case you are stuck unable to find a healthy snack. You have to try it....it is awesome!



http://www.macrolifenaturals.com/home.htm

Relax and Renew....

Taking a few days away to rest & renew. :-)

Forgiveness....

We are beginning a new series at STWC's Wednesday Night Solutions on Forgiveness! ~Forgiving Yourself/Forgiving Your Parents....etc~ We have been teaching on Parenting and Family during the Summer Months...'Extreme Home Makeover'. Many great lessons and growth have been taking place. It's great to see the congregation hungry and eager to change and grow in our walk with Christ.

Copy Cat~Cheese Biscuits from Red Lobster

Red Lobster Cheese Biscuits

2 ½ cups Bisquick baking mix
¾ cup cold whole milk
4 tablespoons cold butter (1/2 stick)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 heaping cup grated cheddar cheese

Bush on Top:
2 tablespoons butter, melted
¼ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
½ teaspoon garlic powder
pinch salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Combine Bisquick with cold butter in a medium bowl using a pastry cutter or a large fork. You don't want to mix too thoroughly. There should be small chunks of butter in there that are about the size of peas. Add cheddar cheese, milk, and ¼ teaspoon garlic. Mix by hand until combined, but don't over mix.
3. Drop approximately ¼-cup portions of the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet using an ice cream scoop.
4. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until the tops of the biscuits begin to turn light brown.
5. When you take the biscuits out of the oven, melt 2 tablespoons butter is a small bowl in your microwave. Stir in ½ teaspoon garlic powder and the dried parsley flakes. Use a brush to spread this garlic butter over the tops of all the biscuits. Use up all of the butter.

*Makes one dozen biscuits.

Great Niece Elizabeth

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~My sister Alexa's dolly girl....~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday Sunshine...It's a beautiful day in Cali for a Harley Ride!

**His riding buddies....

~~~~~~~~~~~~Tom's main hobby is his Harley and loves doodling with it in the garage. There's always new chrome to add. We're getting ready to ride out into the canyons on this gorgeous day in the O.C. The sky's are blue..... I can see so much more on the back of a bike. I usually spot a few deer on the drive we take...believe it or not. I thought deer were mainly a familiar sight for Michigan...but we have them also.

Winston Churchhill painted to relax the mind from heavy worries....what hobby do you do to relax?

"I do not presume to explain how to paint, but only how to get enjoyment," he wrote in Painting as a Pastime. "Do not turn the superior eye of critical passivity upon these efforts.... We must not be too ambitious. We cannot aspire to masterpieces. We may content ourselves with a joy ride in a paint-box. And for this Audacity is the only ticket." Winston Churchhill

I'm thankful for so many precious family members in my life!

Tom's lovely Aunt Shirl and Uncle Dr. Ernest Copple took him in as their own when his mother died~when he was two. They hadn't had children yet. When Tom's dad came to take him back to start Kindergarten... They started having children and have 3 beautiful children...married and now about 11 grandchildren. They still loved Tim, Tony and Tom as their own and got together often and Tom spent summers with them and holidays....they made many happy times with them and their father David...I'm very thankful that Sharayah is able to see them more now that she's in Indianapolis. That was one of the reasons I felt safe letting her attend school there. Knowing she would have close family ties there also. They are an example of unconditional love and the finest hospitality anywhere. I hope we can be a little like them as we age. They are very active and spread happiness around them.


Tom and his brothers....the 3 T's

We were pampered at the Pastor's Wives Retreat with Chocolate and Friendship!

Praise Break~this Organist is AWESOME!

Monday Funny!

A middle aged woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table, she had a near death experience.

Seeing God, she asked, 'Is my time up?'

God said, 'No, you have another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to live.

Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, brow lift, lip enhancement, boob job, liposuction, and a tummy tuck. After her last operation, she was released from the hospital. While crossing the street on her way home, she was hit and killed by a car.

Arriving in front of God, she demanded, 'I thought you said I had another 40 years? Why didn't you pull me out of the path of the car?

God replied, 'Girl, I didn't even recognize you.'

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