The Wilkes Team

Sweet little baby still in the womb

Hands so small and cares so few

Your precious face we long to see

A large family is waiting for you

We look forward to the day

When our eyes first meet each other

It will be a glorious day I’m sure

When all the family around you gather

We love you already dear baby

Can’t wait to see who you really are

You are being made by a loving God

A God who loves you both wide and far

We are waiting for you baby

With ever such patience and zeal

You will be loved and cherished by all

No matter how fussy or happy you feel

You are a highly desired little member

Although we do not know you

Your cute kicks, bumps, and twirls in the womb

Make all of us think you’ll be a nephew

Now you must know dear little baby

That you’ll be hugged, squeezed and loved on

Don’t worry about not getting attention

There will be always someone coming along

We love you already dear little member

Can’t wait to hear your sweet voice call us

We pray that you will be obedient to your parents

And accept God’s precious Son Christ Jesus

Now my dear little one

Keep growing big and strong

Your mommy is protecting you

With her is where you belong

We love you little niece or nephew

Your family is excitedly waiting for you

With love by: Auntie Sarah

5 Comments » | posted in Family News

Did you tackle the trouble that came your way

With a resolute heart and cheerful

Or hid your face from the light of day

With a craven soul and fearful?

Oh, a trouble’s a ton, or a trouble’s an ounce,

Or a trouble is what you make it,

And it isn’t the fact that you’re hurt that counts,

But only how did you take it?

You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what’s that?

Come up with a smiling face.

It’s nothing against you to fall down flat,

But to lie there—that’s disgrace

The harder you’re thrown, why the higher you bounce;

Be proud of you blackened eye

It isn’t the fact that you’re licked that counts,

It’s how did you fight—and why?

And though you be done to the death, what then?

If you battled the best you could,

If you played your part in the world of men,

Why, the Critic will call it good,

Death comes with a crawl, or comes with a pounce

And whether slow or spry,

It isn’t the fact that you’re dead that counts,

But only how did you die?

                               Edmund Vance Cooke

7 Comments » | posted in Family News

4 Comments » | posted in Family News

When there are 11 people living in one house, you have the joy of knowing that there will be lots and lots of laundry. Although laundry can be quite a burden with so many people living under one roof, I am finding joy in being able to wash my family’s clothes each and every day.

Last year during our Big move to Culpeper, our family went through a time when our washer and dryer were unavailable for use. So the question arose, what do we do without a washer and dryer? Well, the answer to this very important question came when we discovered a laundromat not far away in the country town of Culpeper. This wasn’t just any ol’ laundromat, this was a Super Suds Laundromat. We decided to make our presence known to this “wonderful” place,  by getting to work on our ever increasing amount of laundry. Kenan, Adam, Hannah, and Mark all joined Mom and I at different times during those 5 weeks to help with this sometimes arduous task.  A wonderful time of strengthening relationships occurred. We had great fun and grew closer to each other. It was also a time for us to shine our lights in the small corner of the world, which God has placed us in. God truly blessed our time working together.  I can now say, I am very grateful for those few weeks of not having a washer and dryer in our home.

By God’s grace I am learning that what sometimes seems to be a difficult situation is really a tool in the hands of my loving heavenly Father to teach me to be content in whatever state I am in. Although I still have a lot learn about being content, I believe  I can truly rest in the joy of the Lord knowing He will work all things together for good in my life.

3 Comments » | posted in Family News

On Friday Nights we usually have pizza as a family. Homemade pizza is the best kind you could ever have!

So Hannah and I had the joy of making pizza the other night together. I love working with my sister Hannah. She is such a joy to be with, and she always knows how to get the job done while have fun doing it. I would like to share with you our family’s yummy pizza recipe.

My brothers are always going back for their fifth or sixth ( sometimes ninth or tenth ) with this recipe! What a blessing it is to serve my family in this way.

Here is the Recipe for Wilkes Team Pizza:

This recipe makes 2 pizza’s, we usually quadruple or quintet it.

3 cups ~ Flour

2 Tblsp. ~ Sugar

2 1/4 tsp. ~ Fast rising Yeast

1/2 tsp. ~ Salt

1 cup ~ Warm Water

2 Tblsp. ~ Oil

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, and salt; blend well.

2. Gradually add water and oil to mixture. Blend at low speed until moistened, then beat for 2 minutes at medium speed. By hand, add 1 1/2 to 2 cups flour until dough pulls away from sides of bowl.

3. On floured surface, knead in 1/4 to 1/2 cup flour, until dough is smooth and elastic, Cover loosely with plastic and let rest in a warm place for about 15 minutes.

4. Press out dough onto (2) 12-inch pizza pans, pick randomly with a fork.

5. Brush crusts lightly with oil then prebake them in a 450 degrees oven for 5 minutes.

6. Top as desired, then bake again in 450 degree oven for 4-5 minutes, or until desired doneness.

~ Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings on top!:-)

4 Comments » | posted in Family News, Recipes

Written in honor of Grandpa on his 80^th Birthday ~ I love you

I am so grateful for you Grandpa

With words that can not describe or explain

The love and compassion you showed to us

When you gave your life for sadness and pain

You gave it all for me and my family

Despite the miserable conditions of battle

You fought for my freedom, my liberty

Despite the times of immense hardship and struggle

The thoughts that ran through your soul

Were not of fear, but of love for your country

You knew that Christ was in control

Amidst your highest and deepest valley

The fight wore on, like all fights do

But you my dear Grandpa, never quit

Though the storms were tough, and no light showed through

God’s grace was ever more sufficient

Bullets were flying over head

Grandpa stood firm with all endurance

Companions were killed by pieces of lead

Grandpa gave all, with great perseverance

You fought for the freedom of this great nation

You loved America, this great land

You were fighting for the next generation

You gave your life to fulfill God’s plan

You are my hero forever

My soldier who fought with courage and love

My Grandpa forever and ever

God’s wonderful gift to me, from above

I am so grateful to have a Grandpa like you

Your care and concern, your love and laughter

Has been such a blessing to me, its true

I am so blessed to be your Granddaughter

6 Comments » | posted in Family News