Matthews Family Herald

We are saddened to learn that our Aunt Ellen has gone on to be the Lord. Asking for your prayers for the family members who remain to be comforted in this time of loss.

Micah and I arranged and took this first photo because we felt like it was an ideal scene. Great for a painting or something like that. We laughed as we added my glassses on the table "just so" as the perfect touch.

Chess has become one of the favorite passions of Micah and a fun past-time for many in the family. I remember that my Dad was and may still be big into chess playing. I recall my Dad owning an electronic chess board and practicing a lot that way. I told Micah about that and so he ordered one of those with some money he earned. We eagerly await its arrival. Micah is also looking forward to playing chess with my Dad someday. He and Leon play over and over and try so hard to beat each other. Micah studies books on chess and then tries out new techniques on his subjects. This picture shows Micah and Jacob playing and we've found Jacob has gotten quite good at chess as well. Even our good Nathan has learned to how to play chess, and he and I enjoyed a fun game together recently. The chess set in this photo is one that the Lord provided for free at a place called "the recycle center" where you can donate things and take things already donated. The pieces have markings on thier base which educate or remind the player of how that particular piece can be used in the game. Pretty cool. A chess training set.

If you are way up to your ears in eggs, what can you do? You can pickle them, of course. And that's just what Mama did, with Eden's big help, of course. She loves to cook, even more than most of the other kids, it seems.

Eden here waiting for the Brine to heat up to a boil.

It's just about time, so Eden is seen here spooning in some spices.

Eden is now pouring in the Brine. That's a jar of okra now. We decided to pickle a few other things as well. Pickled okra is very expensive here.

Eden and Mama taking the okra out

Here's an egg that Micah decorated


Hannah and Micah worked together at one point.

Hannah's gymnastics skills are coming along quite well and we are very proud of her. Self discipline, determination, and confidence are just a few of the many benefits I've seen as a result of Hannah's gymnastics involvement. Should Hannah decide to try out, she'll have an opportunity to test and move into a move advanced level of gymnastics here in the coming weeks. Her gift for drawing, etc., continues to grow each day as well. Here's a great drawing Hannah made.

Here's Hannah executing a handstand during one of her practice times out in our backyard.