Machen's First Haircut

It's way past time! At 2 1/2, Machen is finally getting his first haircut. He was on a trip in Texas, and Daddy and Papa Jack took him in. He was very serious about the whole thing.

Time to cut these curls!

Where else but Texas do the hairstylists use the state flag as a pattern for their capes?

Not so sure about this...

Taking shape!

"Freshy good..."

I'm a big boy now, backseat driving through Texas with my John Deere.

Summer 2009, by Jonathan

Following is an essay Jonathan had to write for speech class. The picture above actually has nothing to do with the essay, but in an ironic kind of way captures his essence. Interpret that how you like... :)

My Summer Achievement

My brother went off to do an apprenticeship for the summer. As he was gone, all his chores fell to me. In addition to my own chores, I had to take care of his dogs, which included a brand new litter of puppies. So I was a little concerned about all my responsibilities for the summer, which included caring for my two sheep, my four pigs, and my brother's dogs.

Most people think that sheep are meek-hearted, tender little animals. Well, they're not. The first time I realized this was when they busted out of their pen and I had to get them back in. I'd get them just inside the fence, and they'd just jump back out. Also, it was a good day when I did not receive bruises from the ram. He could never resist butting me when he got the chance.

My four pigs did not require a lot of attention at first. It was quite easy walking their feed and water to whatever pasture they were rooting up. But moving them to another pasture took a lot of convincing, and in the end we had to practically drag one with a lasso. We had to do that three times!

Raising puppies is a lot harder than I expected. At three weeks old they can walk around, so I had to start feeding them and playing with them. The food had to soak in warm water until soft, and I had to make sure all eight got plenty. Playing sessions happened each morning and afternoon. This was fun, but eight are unpredictable. I lost many a good t-shirt to sharp teeth.

The summer was even harder than I thought it would be, but I survived. It was a great relief to have my brother back and doing his own chores. I guess I can say my summer was a success. The puppies are selling, the sheep are having a lamb, and I now only have three pigs--and some bacon in the freezer.

Jonathan Cannon, age 11

Ready for the Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving! This year all three Cannon boys were together, so we especially missed their parents, Jim and Bobbie, and Joe's wife Diane, all of whom were in Texas for Thanksgiving. So, a toast to those who were not with us--we love you!

Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally when we search out a Christmas tree at a local farm here in Evansville. I (Jerlene) am not allowed to pick out a tree without my husband because I have a history of making bad choices--too big, crooked trunk, etc. However, the day after Thanksgiving Keith broke his ankle and had to spend tree hunting day (his birthday to boot) on the couch.

Incidentally, this is where he was when the tree was unloaded, set up, and decorated. We had good substitutes for Keith in the form of Kathryn and Jonathan, and Joe went along to keep things in hand. We found a good one almost right away...HmHmmm

Machen didn't really care which tree we picked.


Looks good out here...


We should have noticed the proportions at this point, but we just got carried away. There are no pictures to document how we got it home, off the truck, into the house, and balanced in the stand, because, well... things were a little tense during that time. Let's just say we owe a huge thanks to Bobby, Joe, Caleb, Jonathan, and Kathryn, who were sticky with sap for a while. But the end result worked out pretty well.


We hope your holidays are blessed with peace and joy that comes from our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. For family worship during this time, Keith is taking us through Athanasius' On the Incarnation. As we enjoy lots of family traditions, we reflect on Christ's advent in a human body, His work of redemption through His death, and His resurrection, which is our hope of salvation. We praise God for His provision to us. Merry Christmas!