A Merry Christmas

Wow, I tried everything I could to find time yesterday to post and say Merry Christmas to all and never found a free moment to sit down. I didn't even get my mama called until after 6 pm! Now that is wrong.

For me, it was grand to have all my children home for Christmas. It seemed awfully rushed with all we had to do in such a short time, but I'd rather have rushed than nothing at all. Mattie left about 5:30 last night to head back to Dallas, and I sure hated to let him go. Just wanted to hang on a little longer.

Everyone seemed to have a great day, loved their presents, and enjoyed the food alot. Ellie wasn't into Christmas as much as she probably will be next year, but it was still fun to see her face on a few presents she opened. She has a new sound she makes when she's excited, as she raises her eyebrows. It is so cute. She got her own little laptop and she absolutely loves it! Except when she shuts her hand in it. Oh my, she would get so mad and be screaming and wanting it again at the same time. I think she finally has it figured out.

I hope all of you had a very merry Christmas with family and friends. Enjoy the rest of your holidays

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Overwhelmed...

Note the time on this blog and you'll quickly see I should be in bed, but here I sit. I feel like I'm chasing myself around. I haven't really blogged in weeks! weeks! I've been trying to get 2 weeks of work done at work, which includes end of the month stuff, since the office will be closed next week for Christmas. A friend told me once it wasn't hardly worth taking off for all the double work you have to do just to get to. I disagree with that...it's worth it! Worth it, because all my kids will be under my roof for Christmas!! Matt, Kylah and Michael will be here on Saturday, and of course Landon, Sarah, & Ellie are already here. :) Lennon & Christal will be here for Christmas Day as well! Just gonna miss Mandy...till next year!

Oh my, they'll be here...well by now it's really tomorrow, but I haven't slept for Thursday yet so for me it's day after tomorrow. Point is, I'm not ready! I worked straight through till 3 then went shopping. I got home at 10:30, assessed the damage, made a list, got things ready to wrap, figured my bank account, sweated, blogged. That's an ideal way to finish such a wild day...blog and relax. I still have presents to wrap, stocking stuffers to get, a couple more presents to buy, work at work, laundry to do, a house to clean (which includes putting a couple of rooms back together), some more decorations on the tree to hang, groceries to buy...overwhelmed...and sleep to be had. And since I'm too tired to do any more today...

sleep it is...

zzzzz

Dr. Richard Dean Hammett

This last Friday we traveled to Corpus to celebrate with my brother as he graduated with his doctorate of education from texas a&m kingsville. what a tremedous accomplishment, and to watch him walk across that platform as his name, with a "doctor" in front of it, was announced, made my buttons bust! He has accomplished so much in his lifetime it absolutely amazes me. after spending 28 years in the navy, I was there at his retirement celebration aboard the U.S.S. Lexington docked at Corpus, and was so moved by that ceremony as well. He has done so much, and been so many more places, than I could ever imagine or begin to tell you about in this limited space, and I am so very proud of him.

His wife, Karen, celebrated a big birthday (shhh...50) on that very day. What a fabulous present! We had a great time with family and I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Congratulations to you both! You both deserve it!

Ladies Christmas Party

Just a reminder. Tomorrow night is the ladies Christmas party at church. 7 pm. Bring a finger food, a goodie for the "Angel Box" for Goodfellow Fire Dept., and an "Angel" gift to exchange. (fyi - Hobby Lobby has 1/2 off on ornaments and some other Christmas deco, and Family Christian had some angels too.) We're gonna have alot of fun and spend some good time together, so I hope you can come. It's a good time to bring a friend too!

p.s. ~ It was me. the pooper who forgot to take supper to crys & jer. :( sooorrrryyy.

We Have A Birthday Girl!

Today is Crys' 26th birthday! We could say she is getting a relaxing day off for her birthday, but I think by now she would disagree. She is homebound until after Christmas because of all those contrary contractions she is having. I think she rested enough today to venture out for a birthday dinner at Ichiban's with her sweetie.

I hope your day was special anyway!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

I love ya!

Engaged!

My baby boy, my baby, is engaged to be married!

Can you believe it?

He took Mandy to the "Nutcracker" in Ft Worth on Saturday, then to Highland Park to look at Christmas lights. They walked through until they found a gazebo Mattie had prepicked and there he got down on one knee and asked the love of his life to be his wife! For a more detailed account see Mandy's blog.

Afterwards he took her for a romantic dinner in a quaint little Italian restaurant in Plano. She quickly found out it wasn't a alone time for them, cause her family, his family, and a host of their friends were waiting in a private room, to celebrate this wonderful moment of their with them. Yes, we drove down their and back on Saturday, arriving home at 4 am, but it was worth it. I wouldn't have missed this moment for the world. It was so sweet and they looked so in love. Looks like early June for a wedding in the Dallas area. Seems like yesterday he was mama's little sweetheart and now he has a sweetie all his own. We are very proud of you Mattie and feel you have made a wonderful choice in your future bride. We love you Mandy.

Here are some pictures of the evening...

The couple and the ring
The RING!
A sweet kiss.
Matt, Mandy & her family.

A Christmas Tag.

Okay here I go!

1. Paper wrapping or gift bags.
I love wrapped presents with fluffy bows, but the time it takes makes me use bags and for my immediate family I have pretty gift boxes that I tie giant, fluffy bows on. I use them year after year. They don't leave my house.

2. Real tree or artificial.
Artificial. We had a real one most of the time when I was a kid.

3. When do you put the tree up?
Normally on December 1st. This year....I hope I get it up before Christmas Eve!

4. When do you take the tree down?
I always leave it up through all the holidays. There has actually been a few years I contemplated how I could decorate it for every holiday!

5. Do you like eggnog?
No. But my entire family loves it. We buy it nonstop between thanksgiving through the new year. this year they found some at haloween!

6. Favorite gift received.
My journey necklace last year from my husband. He really surprised me and told me what each diamond represented. we were all crying!

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
No, and I look at them every year, but have yet to get one. I had a precious moment one when the kids were little.

8. Hardest person to buy for?
My dads

9. Easiest person to buy for?
The girls

10. Worst gift I have received.
Our first Christmas, David bought me a sewing machine. I couldn't even sew. hated it. I just set there staring at it. I expected something romantic. I finally got it 30 years later! I didn't use that machine for like 10 years!

11. Favorite ornament
I have lots of pretty ones, but my most favorites are the ones the kids made when they were little and these 3 ugly little elves that were on our first tree.

12. Favorite Christmas movie
The Bishop's Wife with Cary Grant, and The Grinch!

13. When do you start Christmas shopping?
Now that's a mystery.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas gift?
Only when it's a white elephant gift we keep going around.

15. What is your favorite Christmas food?
All the homemade Christmas candies!

16. Clear lights or colored?
Lots and lots of clear, non blinking lights.

17. Favorite Christmas song
O Holy Night

18. Traveling or staying home?
Always in our home for Christmas morning, then we travel to Odessa at some point, could be before or after Christmas Day.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
On Dasher, on Prancer, on Donner, on Blixen. On Comet, on Cupid, on somebody and Dixon and Rudolph. Am I close?

20. Angel or star on the top of the tree?
Had an Angel when the kids were small but now it's a star. I think.

21. When do you open the gifts?
One on Christmas Eve, and the rest on Christmas morning. When I was at home it was on the eve most of the time. but dad was a fireman so we always had to work around him being at the station. my friend down the street always had one gift on Christmas, then the stockings and santa on Christmas morning. I couldn't wait to run down and see all she got. I always wanted to have a Christmas like that. That's what inspired my Christmases for my kids.

22. Most anoying thing about the Christmas season
The busyness of the season. And the hot weather.

23. Does Santa always wrap the gifts?
Santa doesn't wrap. All the wrapped presents are from us and there was always one present, their big one, under the tree from santa, unwrapped. Plus the full stocking is from santa.

24. Did you ever leave cookies for Santa?
I don't remember leaving any ever.

25. What is your favorite Christmas memory?
Putting those awful icicles all over the tree. And one year we got bicycles from Santa. It's really the only time I remember us having anything that was from Santa. And it was on Christmas Eve and we heard the sleigh bells taking off from the top of the house! It was so cool! I don't know how they did that. But it was like miracle on 34th st. Oh year, that's one of my favorite shows too! Then of course watching my kids every year. This one with ellie may top it!

I tag...mandy!

I Must Vent!

I'm just gonna be honest here. I know God's in control of all of our lives and all, and I'm good with that. But that doesn't mean I am always happy with what happens in my life. And right now, my heart hurts.

I don't want all my friends to leave me! There!

Putting on the front is making me tired. I'm honestly not happy. Why is everyone leaving at the same time? Huh? Tell me that. It's like everytime I go to church someone else breaks the news to me! What is going on? I think we're up to 6 couples that have or are moving soon.

Ya'll think since I have ellie now, it would be okay? Well, it's not! okay! It's not!

Man, I thought that would make me feel better...it didn't.

Forgive me for that right there Lord. I just needed to vent.

But honestly, are you people REALLY praying about these decisions? Really? Oh, I know you are. I just don't like the answer.

I'm trying not to be bitter here. And I know it's hard for you to see me this way, but how else will you really know how much I love you and how much I will miss you.

Now don't any of the rest of you get any ideas or I may have to get mean! ha.

;)

Mindful of Me...

Pastor Lennon preached a wonderful message Sunday night. It was titled "Mary on Christmas." One of his main scriptures was Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55. He brought out how sometimes there just seems to be no rhyme or reason to things, but God has a plan in the making. Mary understood this at her young age. She trusted her Father. She states in her song how her God was mindful of her and how He has performed mighty deeds with His arms. He was mindful of the situation He was placing her in but He was also mindful of the eternity that lay ahead of her and all mankind. He knew the bigger picture.

At the altar time pastor asked us to come and spend time thanking God for this gift He has given us, not asking for anything, just thanking Him for who He is and what He has done. That is how I began to pray. Thanking Him for who He is, for what He has done for me, beginning at His leaving the glories of Heaven to come to this earth, to be born into this world, lowly, so He could experience the life we experience and understand fully what this world He created was like. What we experience. Hebrews 4 says he is not a high priest that is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.

Lennon used an illustration of a little boy and his daddy walking through the woods. They came upon a giant ant hill and the little boy kicked his way through it without thinking. He then was instantly so aware of what he had done, how he had destroyed all this hard work the ants had done. He immediatly wanted to know a way to fix it. The dad said he was sorry, he just didn't know how. Only an ant knew how to fix what he had created. That's what Jesus did. He came in order to fix what He created.

While I was praying, when you know the Holy Spirit is touching, I found myself realizing He knew my pain because of the physical pain He endured. He knew my loneliness because of the loneliness He felt in a world where He really didn't belong, although He had a mother & earthly father who loved Him very much. He knew the rejection I feel at times, because of the rejection He suffered, even from His own siblings and people He grew up with. He experienced joy and laughter, tears and heartache. He thirsted and hungered in the physical and the spiritual. He longed to feel His Father's love again. He felt the sorrow of separation when He had to leave His family and those He loved for the ministry. And even more when He had to watch their sorrow at the foot of His cross. He loved friends and left them. He had friends that betrayed Him. He walked a lonely but fulfulled life on this earth so He could walk with us forever in Heaven. He endured the now for the future. At that moment, at that altar, I knew He understood my lonely heart at Jo leaving and Mattie so far away. He understood it and felt it. Such a small thing to some, but He has performed mighty deeds with His arms before, and He did it one more time, that night, when I felt His arms of comfort wrap around me and whisper I understand...

It's A Done Deal...

It's done. This weekend I packed up my 26 year old baby girl and moved her to San Antonio. We pulled out yesterday at 2pm and drove to SA, unloaded at the storage then the apartment, went and ate, then drove back to little sa and got home at 12:30 am this morning. Whew! I know she's been gone since august, but it just wasn't real until they sold the house and moved everything away. Ya know, coming home every weekend does help the situation, but now...

I guess this is just one more of my crossroads and one of many for her. landon said I got her longer than most people get to keep their daughters. although I'm very grateful for that, it may have made it even harder. lot's more years to get past the teenage years and become friends. she's not but 3 hours away and I can get there in a flash, but she's not a few blocks away to call and say, "wanna go to hobby lobby with me" or lunch, or whatever I might get a hankering for.

I miss her again. I miss her right now.

A Good Time and A Great Tree!

Soup was good, company was even better, and the church is decorated! It looks fantastic! Maybe just a few more finishing touches to come, but other than that we spent about 3 or 4 hours and got er done! A big thanks to Maggie, Becky, Esther, Lynn, Rhonda, Mexa, Colleen, Kim, Hannah, Bekah, Dan, Teresa, Randy & Tonya for all your hard work. It was fun!

UPDATE: NEW TIME FOR TREE TRIMMING!

Okay, due to numerous conflicts, besides the Cowboys and my pending root canal at 2:15 tomorrow, the tree trimming festivities have been postponed until Friday. So, see there is still time for you to come! Taco soup is on, as well Christmas music, and I guarantee you'll be in some kinda Christmas spirit when you leave. ;~} No set time to come, no set time to stay. A little or a lot. Soup will be ready around 5:30, staying warm in the ole crock pot just awaiting your arrival and all the fun. Hope to see you Friday!

A Little Bribe?

One last post before I finally hit the sack.

Thursday night at whatever time you can make it, there will be a pot of Taco Soup brewing at the church, along with Christmas music blaring away, for all those who would like to add one more festive, get in the Christmas spirit occasion, to your already busy agendas, and help me trim the tree and hang the wreaths and whatever other decorating needs to be done at the church. (I mistakenly typed my house, so if your still in the mood, feel free.)

Just think of the bonding that will take place! Memories made...

have I got ya yet? I thought so ;}

Crossroads

Here I sit at 1 o'clock in the morning reading blogs. I've been sick for over a week. I'll feel bad then better then bad again. It really got me last night and I was up half the night, which didn't help me feel much better. I felt bad when I got home from church today and went to bed. David just let me sleep and didn't wake me for church. So now I'm still wide eyed. I just read sarah's blog and commented and the word verification was xroad. Got me thinking...

so many crossroads in my life. that crossroad from childhood to adolescence, adolescent, teen, adult...so quickly. the crossroad from single to married and living as one, then motherhood, and the only way to be whole is to split again and love one more...then two...then three. before you know it your at another crossroad...they aren't babies anymore. they're walking everywhere and talking and becoming little people! then the crossroad at the crosswalk or bus stop. oh my, do I really let him get on that bus alone and leave me standing here. what kinda mother does that, let's him go it alone! oh the crossroads of letting go. that's the most difficult. as soon as you start it's done...they're grown. then there is the crossroads of moving them away at college. oh my, what kinda mother does that, let's him go it alone! I always cried half the way home. now I leave them and still I cry. now they leave me...and still I cry.

and then there are those crossroads of change. leaving those we love and moving away. those are so hard. leaving the house where your babies were born and raised. the place you rocked them in the night, kissed skinned knees, comforted bad dreams, prayed with them to know Jesus, had tickling sessions, watched a little boy pack his bag to run away at 4, only to comfort him when he was to scared to step off the sidewalk. birthday parties and swimming in the back yard. running as fast as they could over the pasture to nanny's in the dark. slumber parties, then first dates, and late nights of broken hearts.

yet another...they fall in love. once they just loved you. now another. always letting go. then you discover the added blessing. another daughter, a new son. your heart begins to expand beyond what you could ever dream it could. then when you thought you're all loved out...a baby grand. you never knew this kinda love could even exist. another place in your heart literally grows. you can actually feel it. unexplainable. literally.

that first move was the hardest. but what I found was new adventures, not only for the kids but for me. new places, new worlds, new friends, new memories. new firsts in the new home. and then sad to leave again. I guess what I learned is the memories are always there...in your heart...in you. you take them wherever you go. the place they come home to is not a place but a heart.

and the adventures and people you meet along the way are so worth it. you just keep storing up the moments to go with you when you come to the next crossroad. because life is always changing, never staying the same, always an adventure. children move away and come back, friends move away. taking apart of you with them and leaving a part of them with you. that's what makes us who we are. all the people along the journey. bits and pieces. we're made up of bits and pieces of one another. no matter where life takes us, what changes take place, the crossroads are necessary.

so stop at the crossroad. look both ways. look back if you must. but cross.

there is so much more God has waiting...

Happy Birthday Pamela!

Today is my best friend for all my life's birthday! Actually this is her "50th" birthday! Wow! That's about all I can say...WOW! We have been friends since we were 12! Where have the years of driving the drag, being boy crazy, "sleeping over" gone, and then having all our babies together, and them growing and doing all that again with them? A lot of years and moments have come and gone and such great memories are deep in my heart. Wish we could do them all again. It looks like the last four of our six kids will be married in 2008. That is amazing! Kinda brings us into a completely differnt season, doesn't it Pam. I just finally talked to her today and I'm sorry you are sick on your biggie. She has a kidney stone so please pray for her. I love you friend and hope the rest of your day is better than the first part.

ABC's of Thanksgiving

Okay, so I already wrote a Thanksgiving greeting but Dawn gave a challenge and I can't seem to ignore a challenge. Here goes Dawn, I'll see if I can come up with any more...
A - Another year, Angela, Amy, Autumn smells & Angels unAware
B - Blonde highlights, my Bubba, Bacamama, Becky, a good Book, and new Beginnings
C - Christ, Christmas, Christal, Crystal, Chocolate, Captivating
D - David, Dawn, & lazy Days
E - Ellie, Ellie, Ellie
F - Friends, Family, Fall, Freedom, & a cozy Fire
G - God, Goodness, Gifts, Grace & Gardens
H - Heaven, Hugs, good Health
I - Imagination, missed In-laws
J - Joy, Jo, and the Joy she brings, Jenny & Jan
K - Kylah, Kimmie, Kelly, Karen, Kimbra & Kindness
L - Landon, Lennon, Laney, Love & Laughter...and Lisa!
M - Matthew, Mandy, Michael, Maggie...Memories
N - Nanny, Newborn babies, Nice people, cold winter Nights, afternoon Naps & New friends
O - Old friends, Old houses, Oreos & milk, Overshadowed...
P - Pam, Possibilites, Papaw, Pepaw, & Punkin Pie!
Q - Quaint Tea Rooms & Quiet Time
R - Rest, Righteous Savior, Rhonda, & Ricky
S - Sarah, Sunsets, Sovereign God, Ellie's Smiles, Smooching my honey!
T - Tammie, Terry, Toni, Teresa, precious Time
U - Us!
V - Vespers
W - Weddings, Whatever...
X - Xtra good times!
Y - YOU!
Z - and a Zilliondy more moments that take my breath away...

Thanksgiving is Here...

And I am so thankful for all God has blessed me with.

Why is it I don't ponder these things enough until this time of year? I'm very much aware, especially since ellie entered my life. her arrival has brought such reflection. as every year passes ever so swiftly, I find myself thinking of my family and how it is growing, and how we're all growing older, watching this precious baby grand grow, ever so aware of precious time and precious friends, as well as precious time with friends. these are the moments that take my breath away and make me thankful.

A wonderful home, the best husband any girl could ask for, three near perfect ;} children and their spouses. they are the finest of God's children. they love Jesus and their mama and bring me such joy. it seems lately God has had me really zeroing in on all that is around me and causing my spirit to be ever so aware of how blessed I am.

Thank you Father for this precious gift of life and all you have filled it with. we may not be rich by some standards, but my life is full of wealth beyond measure...

I love each of you and am encouraged upon every remembrance of you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm Back!

Yes I am! We had a wonderful time at the Presbyters Meeting in Maypearl. They fed us so well. I bet I gained 5 lbs! So much for losing all that weight. The more I try the more I weigh! While the guys had their lonnng business meetings us ladies had tons of fun. Tuesday we went shopping at North Park Mall in Dallas and at lunch at P F Changs. It was so good. Then last night after a wonderful meal of shrimp scampi and this peach chicken (sounds weird but was fantastic) we had our Christmas Party and Dessert Bar. Heavens! This morning was a Brunch and a wonderful speaker, that I had to leave before she was half finished. We had to leave early to get to a funeral 20 miles south of Brownwood. Very sad to not get to finish hearing her. She was so good and I was really intrigued by her topic. It was on "girlfriends". Her theme scripture was Romans 1:12...I'm eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. In this way, each of us will be a blessing to the other. She has a burden that we as the church have the secret that the world is stealing. Oh it was so good and I know I can't give it justice here, so I'll have to share it to all of you in person. In a nutshell we need each other. I wanted to stand up and shout..."We got it! You should join our bloggers club!" You are all such a blessing to me and you encourage me in the faith every day.

I'm glad to be home for a few days and then Thanksgiving will be here. I missed my ellie while I was gone. You know what I just love...coming around the corner and she sees me and smiles...like aw it's my grama...and I love her. She is my sweetie.

This is all the presbyters wives that were present and our district officials wives.

Tuckered Out!

That's about it. After one more funeral on Tuesday in Big Spring, driving to Plano afterwards, packing, packing, packing, driving back to SA on Friday, unloading (us girls just did a little), getting back in the car and driving to Fredricksburg for the Sectional Holiday get-together, and back last night (we were so stinkin tired on that drive home I was hallucinating and seeing things in the road, it was a miracle we made it back), and hurting like crazy ALL over my body today, I have just sat down and opened my laptop and it is 11:25 on Saturday night. Whew, did that long sentence ever represent my long week!

But they are here and unloaded and alot is put away and I am so happy! They'll be gone alot this month finishing up in Plano with their apt and taking a little much needed time off before they start their new position. We'll be gone here and there as well. We have the yearly presbyters meeting Monday thru Wednesday in Maypearl and at this point I can't even think of getting back in that car and going again. That much driving is so hard on my body, if ya know what I mean!

Maybe life in every aspect will settle down soon...

Baby & Work?

Do those two go together? Neither do posting and baby, since this is the second atempt. ellie just hit the keyboard and wiped out my just finished post! before that i was juggling typing and playing and tickling a soft belly. jealous? she has gotten so big and active. i love it! We got alot of packing done last night but it is 10:00 this morning and as you can see...oh well, it's about to start. the plan is to get it pretty much finished today so we can play a little tomorrow, being it's sarah's birthday! we'll also load the truck tomorrow and head out early friday morning. hope to pull in around noon. that's the plan anyway...

needlesss to say, there won't be much posting. jhghgffjkicdswsuyokmj that's hi from ellie!

Happy Birthday Tammie!

Today is Tammie's 50th birthday. I wish I was with her too. What a mile marker. Man your old...err than me! ;)

I pray your birthday is fantastic and you get all you wish for. You mean the world to me and you are my sister and my friend!

You truly are getting better and better and better!

I love you even more!

Happy Birthday to my Brother!

Today is my oldest brother Terry's birthday. Wish I was with him. For those of you who don't know, he is married to Tammie. Tomorrow is Tammie's 50th birthday! WOW! We were in high school yesterday! Weren't we?

Happy Birthday Terry Gene! Happy Birthday to you!

I love you...more!

Bloggers Meet & Eat!

Well I know it was impossible for every blogger to get together, seeing as we live apart. But those in SA met last night at Cheddars just to eat and hang out. We even had some recruits we're working on and kblot drove all the way from the metroplex just to come to our little get-together! Well actually she was coming for her family's thanksgiving get-together, but she let us think that for a little while. It was a really nice suprise! Wish there was a way we could all have a little social time here and there. Had a great time with all you girls!

Rock the Pumpkin VI

This was our 6th year to host "Rock the Pumpkin" at SAF. What a fun night we had! Thanks to all who made it happen. Crys did a great job organizing all those workers and making sure the games were together and running. Thanks Crys! There were around 800 registered, plus workers and all those who never stop to register. Those rebels. ;) Lots of cute kids and their parents. If you didn't make it, we missed you! It was a lot of work, but rewarding. Reaching out to our community and letting them know we love them enough to have a safe place for their families is a wonderful thing.

Walking for a Cure

Sarah is walking the 3day walk for breast cancer in dallas. She, her sister, Laura and her mom Susan, began walking at 6:30 Friday morning. After walking 20 miles yesterday and stopping last night at the camp where they sleep, she sent me a picture of her poor tired feet via her phone. She had made it through the first day, now just two to go.

Susan has finished her chemo but is still going through her radiation treatments for her breast cancer. So I know her fatigue must be tremendous, so please pray for her and sarah and laura, and all the thousands of people walking this walk.

I text sarah throughout the day yesterday and today trying to boost her on. I wish I were there to cheer her along or maybe even walk with her. last night she said she was sore and tired. I worried if she could even put a foot forward today, but she got up and went at it again. I asked her through a text how she was doing today and she said, "I'm making it mama, I just keep saying 'No breast cancer for ellie, no breast cancer for ellie' and it keeps me moving." No breast cancer for her or ellie, or any other lady I love, that's what I say!

I pray for them Lord Jesus, that you strengthen them and boost their moral and relieve them of all fatigue until tomorrow evening comes and they can lie down on their own bed with satisfaction that they did something for a great cause. and I pray, Lord Jesus, for a cure.

Would you help me pray?

Happy Birthday Michael!

Today is our son's (in-law), but we don't believe in in-laws), birthday. So here's wishing we were with you today.

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Michael
Happy Birthday to you

You are a wonderful son and we love you so much. We thank God everyday for bringing you in to our lives and for the wonderful husband He has given to our baby girl.

Chicken Fry is waiting for you this weekend!

Enjoy your day!

Happy Birthday to My Sweetheart!

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to David
Happy Birthday to you!

I love you sweetheart. Have a very happy 49th birthday! You are absolutly my most favorite person in the world! I'll love you for always and forever.

Fall Has Arrived!

I think it's here! I think Fall is finally here! That is what I think I miss the very most about living in this part of Texas, a real Fall. Although SA certainly has more of one than Odessa ever did and not that I know what living in a real Fall is like. But I can only imagine. After visiting Vermont at this very time last year, I now know it's true. Fall IS my most favorite season of the entire year. I prefer it over Winter, Spring or Summer. There is just something special about it.

These are a few of my favorite things...about Fall...

• All the beautiful oranges, reds and browns that are everywhere
• Pumpkins
• Mums
• Decorated front porches
• Hot Cider
• Hot Chocolate
• A fire in the fireplace
• Stepping outside and smelling someones chimney blowing
• Cool, crisp mornings
• A Fall rain
• That special smell in the outside air, especially in the mornings
• Stepping outside to smell it about the time the sun is coming up
• That smell brings a feeling of freshness and newness, it's the same feeling every year, that feeling of the first few days of grade school.
• The smell reminds me of playing on the playground before school starts
• A slower, easier, more carefree time
• Turtlenecks and boots
• Soup in the evening (like tonight)
• Hot oatmeal with brown sugar & butter for breakfast (like this morning)
• Gorgeous leaves falling everywhere with acorns mixed in with them
• Sitting outside around a bonfire or outdoor fireplace telling ghost stories (maybe I can fire mine up soon and we can all sit around it with our gloves on and cider telling old stories!)
• Thanksgiving dinner
• Pumpkin pie with a cold glass of milk
• Apple crisp with a cup of Pumpkin Spice Coffee and cozying in a quilt
• Pumpkin Latte & Pumpkin Cream Cheese muffin from Starbucks
• A cool Fall evening stroll, maybe even with a lantern through the graveyard! (that one's for maggie)
• Fall Festivals (now that takes you back to childhood)
• Coming in the house to a cinnamon spice candle burning

Now these are just a few of my favorite things.

My Favorite!

This "7" thing was one of my absolute favorite blogging experiences! Just fun to learn so many things about your friends that you didn't know. And to find out you're not the only weird cookie in your world! Thanks to whoever started it. Yeah, who did start it anyway?

I've Been Tagged

Thanks alot Bacamama for the tag...

Seven things you never knew about me and now wish you didn't. Or as you put it...Seven strange/weird/crazy things about me:

1. I know this is double dipping, but I too, (crys) use to type everything people said in my head and with my hands. Weird, I thought I was freaky. You'll grow out of it.

2. From childhood until I was in my early twenties I had an obessive fear of dying. I don't know why but it consumed me. I finally confided in David and he prayed for me. It got better but I would keep myself constantly busy or it would creep back in. Maybe that's why I'm always doing. You know, an idle mind is the devils workshop! It probably really stemmed from always feeling I was going to hell for something.

3. I use to love to act. I was so shy as a little girl, but then we would have these neighborhood plays and I was always the star. Always some tough girl, like Bonnie in Bonnie & Clyde! Hilarious.

4. I played with Barbies until I was 13 and I think I snuck a few times after that. I still have the entire collection, which was quite elaborate, in my mama's attic. I can't part with them.

5. When I was little anytime I ran fevor I hallucinated, bad! I use to imagine little people were trying to kill me. One time I actually walked in my sleep around the block and kicked a little boy down the street and when I ran in to my little friend next door I told her there were little people around the ceiling in my mama's room where I was sleeping cause I was sick that day, and they had little pitch forks trying to cave the ceiling in on me, so I got out. She went in quickly and told her mom. I went home and crawled back in the bed. When I woke up I thought I had dreamed it all, until Jean Ann's mom came over and told my mama she couldn't play with me anymore. My mom explained my weirdness to her and it was fixed.

6. I LOVE to dip Fritos Scoops in creamy peanut butter! ummm!

7. My biggest annoyance is someone sucking on a straw that is on the bottom of an empty cup. My gut reaction is to slap you! It's like scratching finger nails on a chalk board! Don't try it within slapping range.

Well there you go...kinda weird and crazy...

I tag nanna & jan

Memories

I was at my mama's the last couple of days while attending our friend Cary's home going celebration. Which, I might add, was a beautiful service overflowing with people his life had touched. Another lady from the church there had also passed away and that funeral was this morning. Last night, my mama was in the kitchen cooking for the funeral dinner today, and I took her my ipod shuffle and put it on her and in her ears and turned it on. I went back and sat in the living room where I could look through from the sofa and see her. David and Papaw were already in bed and I was working on something on my laptop. I thought I heard her say something. Her back was to me as she stood at the kitchen sink working away. About that time the fridge quit running and I could hear it then. She was singing softly to the music, not like I do when the plugs are in my ears, and David has to say, hey your singing really loud, just softly...

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

Over and over she sang and I just sat there staring at her, listening. Memories began to softly come back of so many years ago, hearing her working in the kitchen when I was a kid, cooking for us, and singing. I always thought she sang so pretty. She does.

The years rolled back and time stood still.

I just sat there and then she slowly turned her head and looked at me like she sensed me watching her, smiled, turned, and kept working...singing.

It was a sweet walk down memory lane. I, so many times would like to go back there for a while. Back when you really had no worries and mama took care of everything. Life was easy then and time passed slow. Much too slow. Now it passes fast. Much too fast.

I just listened and reminiscenced and thought about how much I loved my mama.

I love you mama.

A New Season

We have looked high and low, from here to Dallas, and we have found them.

Our new youth pastors will begin December 1st.

Our prayer is for a good transition for everyone. John & La left a good foundation to build upon. I am confident, with all behind them, they can continue on from here and help us build the kingdom of God.

They are excited as well and ready to take on the challenge and get in and get busy.

I'm excited.

They're coming to us from Plano, Texas...

They are...

Landon & Sarah Henry and their baby daughter Ellie!

From Death to Life

Sometime in the early morning hours of Monday, Jesus called our dear friend Cary home to be with Him.

Cary was not an ordinary man. In fact he was quite extraordinary. And you know that is a strong word in our family. Our family motto. Go for the extraordinary.

Cary always made me laugh. Always.

Cary made everyone laugh.

He loved everyone and everyone loved him. He loved Jesus with a passion.
He loved his wife and his girls. I can't imagine how they are feeling. How they will make it without him. How his mom is grieving. Cary is her baby and the third child she has lost in recent years. Cary's sister Teresa died just a few short years ago and I'm sure you remember me writing about his sister Becky, my friend, who went to be with Jesus just a few short months ago after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. This family also lost their dad the year before.

None of us want to imagine this life without Cary. He was always grateful for his life and what God had given him.

Becky and Cary sang as the "Singing Mitchells" for Jesus. Wow, their harmony was extraordinaire! How they loved to sing for Jesus and what a comedy team they were as well. I told David Monday morning, maybe Jesus just needed the other half of the singing Mitchells. Why, we cannot fathom. But this I know, Cary is not alone, and after He sat at Jesus' feet for awhile, he found Becky, and Teresa, and his daddy and there is one good time of singing going on along side the river of life.

It is our sadness and loss but Heaven's gain.

Please pray for Cary's wife Rhonda and his daughters, Tiffany and Sydney. As well as his mom, Marie and his brothers, Tony & Terry. And when you pray remember all his family and friends that love him so very much and will forever miss him. The funeral is Friday morning at 10.

Cary Mitchell was 41.

With all assurance, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life.
John 5:24-25

Pretty Girl!

My Ellie Belle leaves in the morning! So sad Grama tonight! I have had a marvelous visit with my girl. She even let me rock her to sleep tonight. Normally she is not a rocker but she must have known this was our last night. I hope I can let her go tomorrow! She has just been the very best. What a blessing! Thank you Lord for this precious gift!

I Am

I am sensitive and nurturing.
I wonder about my life and heaven
I hear God’s voice.
I see happy eyes
I want a homeland who knows Jesus
I am sensitive and nurturing

I pretend to be self-confident
I feel helpless
I touch people
I worry that people won’t feel my touch
I cry when babies are born and families are birthed
I am sensitive and nurturing

I understand God is the great I Am
I say His Grace is enough
I dream of my children and grandchildren’s lives
I try to make sure they are happy
I hope for a world of peace for them
I am sensitive and nurturing

Happy Birthday Ellie Belle!

Today is ellie's 8 month birthday. La found me this outfit about 4 or maybe 6 months ago on ebay and I had to get it. It has a big "e" on the front for ellie! I made her the bow to go with it. I can't believe it's been 8 months already. I'm so glad she got to be with me today on her birthday! Before we know it we'll be celebrating her first birthday! Oh my!

One Happy Grama!

Well I know you've probably all read sarah's blog and know how sad she is but this grama is having the time of her life. we had been at the district campground for the ministers retreat, which was great, and drove over to plano to see the kids for a day. we got to bring ellie home with us since this weekend is her mommy and daddy's 2nd wedding annivesary. she misses her mommy and daddy a whole bunch but is really putting her chin in the air and sucking it up for the old folks. I don't know how anyone could not help falling in love with this little princess!

Ya know I've seen lots of mommies over the years sitting in the back seat with the baby and thought how stupid they looked hanging out in the back with the kid while the poor husband set up front all alone. all I could think of was, spoiled kid. well guess what...spoiled kid! grama set in the back 4 of the 5 hours it took us to get home. And I didn’t care what anyone thought! We played, and napped, and grinned, and squealed, and ate, and had the best time. Pa watched us in the mirror. I could tell he wanted to crawl back there and play too. She did so good driving for that long. Never even got cranky. Course grama can be pretty entertaining.

She is such a sweetheart with the best disposition and sweet nature. Her mommy and daddy have sure done a good job. I am so very proud of her, and them.

Thanks for letting her come play with me for the weekend.

Have a great anniversary weekend!

HOW BOUT THEM COWBOYS!

oh ye of little faith...

Fragrant Offering

What a fragrant, beautiful offering of worship was sacrificed this morning around the altar. Heaven was loosed in our midst as women and men began to move toward God in a wonderful expression of worship to our Lord. As worship grew more and more intimate in the sanctuary people began to move unprompted to the front...arms extended, faces turned up, as Jesus gazed upon their faces. Some bowed, some danced, some laid before Him alone in a room full of people. It was the sweetest worship service I have been in, in a long time. I believe the presence we experienced at the retreat carried over to this morning. That's what happens when women worship...

Oh sweet Jesus help us keep our eyes turned ever toward you and help us continually dwell in that secret place, enabling your power to manifest through us every where we go.

UPDATE!

Just saw David & Michael on the television! Standing on the sidelines while jj henry putted on the 18th green, on the golf channel! how cool is that!

Mommy - Daughter Playdate!

What a wonderful day!

After sleeping in, which I really did, like till after 9, well for the 4th waking, Jo and I sat around in our pjs until noon, talking and just hanging out together. It was great! Then got ready and went to jason's deli...ummm, then pedis and manicures, then to the shops at la cantera. did a little shopping...looking actually, marble slab, super target, back to the apartment, walked jules, guys picked us up and went to the Longhorn cafe for supper. did you know it's at the bottom of the hill, well almost, you can see it from there, that George Strait's house sits on top of. how 'bout that adam! we thought he was in the cafe singing cause out on the patio was live music and it sounded almost just like him.

The guys got up early and went to watch the "valera texas open at la cantera." they had an incredible time. we're actually watching it on t.v. right now! afterwards they played a round of golf. we'll have breakfast in the morning, go by the carpet shop to see about NEW CARPET FOR THE SANCTUARY, then head home.

It's been a good day and so nice to see the kids, even for a day.

I think jo's all better now that her mommy took care of her and will be able to return to work on monday.

We have a live one people!

Check out Christal's new Blog!

Praying...

It's 6:36 am and I've been awake since 4:00 am. Partly because I have a toothache, partly because Ava (Ashley's dog) is sleeping with me (because she sleeps with Ashley and Ashley has been out of town) and she was snoring, and because of those interruptions, I of course had to make my way to the tinkle tavern. Well now that I'm awake and the pain will not let me go back to sleep I may as well get up. It's almost 5 am. I take me pillow with me to the living room, take 3 advil, turn on the lamp and begin to pray, well actually I was praying while laying in the bed, that's another reason I was wide awake. Now I'm cleaning and praying. I'm waiting until 7, then I'm vacuuming...and praying. I'm even blogging and praying. This was the same situation for David Monday morning. On our day off. I asked him if he was burdened or worried, he replied "No babe, nothing wrong, not "desperate" just "diligent". Diligent when He calls.

So...I'm praying.

Praying for my kids, for situations, for you. I'm praying for you.

I love you all...

Fridays Coming!

And I'm going to San Antonio to see my girl! Yep, she's feeling a little sick and doesn't think she will feel good enough to go to work Friday, so I'm going to go keep her company. ;)

David & Michael are going to watch a golf open thingy on Friday and me and jo are going to hang out. I'm looking forward to it and can't wait to see her and michael.

Although by her last post, it is pretty obvious this is a good time for them to be away and together. I remember when david and I moved away from everyone. You just can't help growing closer to each other. It's a wonderful time in their marriage to draw closer.

But I still miss them...

Sitting at Jesus feet...

I don't know if any of you ever go to the WT Online under Devotions & Resources on my blog, if you haven't, there are some really good devotions and articles there. You need to check it out weekly.

This article comes from there and it drives home some points made at the retreat. Take a few minutes and give it a read.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to ya'll
Happy Birthday to ya'll
Happy 4?th birthday to Kimmie
Happy 26th birthday to Jenny
Happy birthday to ya'll!

Have a good one to both of you!

Precious Memories

Although they'll be around a few more weeks today was our youth pastors official farewell. John did an incredible job this morning preaching his last sermon for the congregtion. I hope one day he'll come back on his speaking tour and share with us as he defends the faith to the nation. Christian Apologetics. That's what's in His heart and he'll be fantastic in this field.

It's been a whirl of seven years. SEVEN YEARS! Where has the time sped off to? They have a new little guy on the way and he will be the first one I wasn't there when he came into this world. La, get to the hospital quick, at the first pain! And don't let them start an iv until someone that knows what they're doing can do it. After they have given you something that makes you delirious. Okay?

When John was preaching this morning, alot of memories came rolling past. I'll never forget the first time I met La, big belly and sweet smile. John David was born the next month. Remember the townhouse? All the people there to help you move in. I think there were more people there than helped us move in! The girls next door, they were a rowdy bunch! And those guys down the street! We've seen alot of changes in the last seven years. It was fun and we will miss you. I know God is in this change and He has wonderful plans that lie ahead. It's exciting when He moves. When we get out of the way and wait with anticipation. Follow His open doors guys. Listen to His still small voice.

Father go before them and be their rear guard, open doors and help them find favor with man and use them in an incredible way to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of You to this world.

Overshadow them.

I love you all.

Legacy

I just sat down and read blogs. The last one was rw's. Thank you for reminding me what life is about. Not the hurry. Not the busy. Friends & family, love, laughter, memories made, adventures, moments...

That's what life is. I know I'm mid-way through my life and hopefully far from the end, but one thing I know is that life is not about making it to the next stop or goal, it's about the actual journey. What happens between stops. So don't live your life waiting to get from point a to point b, but enjoy the time in between. Take time along the path to pay attention to what's around you. Life passes so fast. I look back with regrets at how quickly my life has passed and the amount of time I wasted on piddly things, like worrying everyday about what I weighed, while in that process gaining 60 pounds or so and losing it a million times. Or worrying about a dirty house that no matter what never stayed quite clean enough. Or fretting over people and what they think or do and most of them are long gone from my life. Focus everyday on what is important. People, family, Jesus. Be in the picture whether you feel fat that day or not. Go swimming with your kids no matter what you look like in a bathing suit. Ride the scary rides with them at six flags no matter how scared you are. Snow ski even if you're a coward. Jump in the ocean in spite of the sharks. Snorkle, you'll figure it out. Don't let an adventure leave you behind.

Years down the road, when your kids and grandkids read your diary, let them say Zowie!

Check out our newest blogger...dawn's daze.

Pictures Anyone?

If you took any pictures at the Overshadowed Retreat I would love to have a copy! I never even got my camera out. Took a video of the speakers, some worship, and La's drama. So if anyone would like to have a copy I'm sure we can work that out.

I burned a cd for the retreat for the bonfire and quiet times, aside from the Overshadow Worship. And I finally got to listen to it on the way back from Brownwood the other night. I'm calling it "Overshadow Whispers" It is perfect for a quiet, intimate time with the Lord. It took me from Brownwood to my front door. Talk about a time me and Jesus had in that car alone! I have made some more copies of it if anyone would like to have one. Let me know.

I am still living under the shadow of the Almighty...

Happy Birthday Scotty!

26 years ago today, my best friend, Pam, gave birth 17 hours after I did, to a beautiful baby boy named Nathan Scott. We had the same doctor, same hospital, and were in the same room. It was just pretty cool, actually. We dressed them like twins for months. Poor babies. And we always had their birthday parties together. They never have let a year go by without calling each other on their birthdays. While we were driving to the restaurant last night, Scotty called. Just pretty cool. All our kids are the same age and were raised together. They are like siblings.

Wish I was there to wish you a great birthday in person.

Happy Birthday Scotty, I love you sweet boy!

Happy Birthday Kylah Jo

God has blessed my life in so many ways. One of those blessings came 26 years ago today. Oh my, how could 26 years have passed so quickly? This weekend I opened my Bible and it fell open to Haggai chapter 2. So I read. Under the heading "Promised Blessing." That caught my eye because we all desire a blessing. The prophet was preaching to the Jews and stirring their hearts to return to their purpose. He made a proclamation concerning their blessing. This is what it says...Consider now from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day that the fouondation of the Lord's temple was laid - consider it...from this day I will bless you. Beginning September 24, 1981, and from that day forward, God has blessed my life in a way I never imagined, when my beautful baby girl came into my life, after a critical pregnancy where the enemy tried to take both our lives. The Lord waa definitely overshadowing both our lives for a purpose. Never could I imagine the amount of joy she has brought into my life.

She is strong, independent, confident, sweet spirited, loving, loyal, compassionate, sensitive, and loving. She is a perfect daughter. She is my best friend. I miss her. Especially today.

Happy Birthday baby girl! May your day be full of joy! Marme wishes she was with you!

I love you more!

Overshadowed

I'm home and have had a 2 hour nap followed by a little mac in my tummy. Exhaustion hit as I hit the edge of town and by the time I had unloaded at the church, my behind was dragging behind me. I downloaded pictures from Jo's camera before she headed home and tried to let them roll through and kept waking up as my head would fall to the side. Zapped!

All the hard work over the last month culminated into a wonderful weekend retreat with 32 precious ladies. What a glorious time we had with each other and our Lord. He met us there. Lives were changed. New friends were made. Long time relationships refreshed. Promises made to meet again next year.

We had five incredible sessions. Tammie, Christal, Dawn, Angela, & Pattie...WOW! That stands for the Word they brought to us and what this retreat was all about...When Women Worship. Alot happens when women worship.

When we truly grasp how Accepted by Christ we are, how His gaze is upon us...when we are completely Willing to love Him and worship Him...when we become Broken before Him...when we open up our heart with a Vulnerability like never before...that availability leaves us Overshadowed by the presence of the Almighty.

In a nutshell...God met us there. The retreat center was outstanding. Picture a large ranch style house with a BIG front porch filled with tables and flowers. The grounds were covered with oak trees and green grass with a big pond not a hundred yards from the house. A cross was set in the east at the base of a hill. The perfect place for worship at sunrise. The memory of women of God covering the grounds, on quilts under trees, on secluded benches, perched in trees, laying at the foot of the cross, walking with Jesus, worshiping with complete abandonment, as if it were them and Jesus, floods my soul even now. It was hard for me to focus on my quiet time with Him at times because the tears would flow just watching what He was doing, what was happening when women worshipped. It was a beautiful sight. It made all the work worth it. Completely.

It was peaceful. restful. anointed. restoring. memorable.

The cross now has stones, stones of remembrance, piled at the foot, covered with the tears, burdens & inhibtions of broken hearts...even the oil of Mary's alabaster jar.
A memorial of past wounds and present healings. New commitments. Brokenness at it's most wholeness. Love at a depth never before experienced. Be it unto me...

I am overwhelmed
I can hardly take it in
I can hear Your still small voice
Whisper in the wind
Whisper in the wind

I am so afraid
Can this really be?
But according to Your word
Be it unto me
Be it unto me

Overshadow me
In the shelter of Your wings
Holy Spirit cover me
Overshadow me.

Overshadow me.

May your overshadowing cover us, each of us. May we abide in Your presence. May we daily choose to say...Be it unto me...

Great Weekend!

The house is quiet again :(

Everyone left this afternoon and early evening. michael & kylah with the pickup loaded down, matt, mandy, sarah & ellie, soon as the cowboys WON! It was hard to let my ellie go. She had grown so much and changed...

She is doing so much. About to crawl! What a time I had with her. My dad and wesley came for the day, and tammie, terry, & amy came for saturday so it was a full weekend, but it was so good to have all of them and I loved it!

She's Coming!

Yes Ma'am, she's coming! Tomorrow night!

Mattie text me yesterday saying "I need roast, potatoes, & carrots!"
I replied, "If you bring your sister and neice this weekend, I'll cook you some."
Mattie: Okay!
That was way to easy. I think I've been snookered! But I don't care, my ellie, sarah, mattie, & mandy are coming to see me!

And...Jo & Michael are coming as well!

Wow, if only Lando was coming!

I can't wait!

Heartache!

I miss my Ellie girl so bad! And it doesn't seem I'll be seeing her until after the retreat. Unless...my girls come to see me for the weekend. Now that would be a great idea. Who thinks so? RALLY!

If not, I'm outa here really soon after the retreat. I bet she doesn't even know me anymore. By that time it will be like 2 months since she has seen me or heard my voice. :(

I would post a picture...but I have no recent ones.

Does anyone out there have a recent picture of my baby grand?

I'm Here!

Okay, I know I haven't blogged in what, a day or two, okay, maybe 3, but I have been so busy. My mind has been so occupied with the retreat, and then this morning I actually cleaned my house for the first time in weeks! WEEKS! You'd have been disgusted! I feel much better now. Except for my room. Don't go in there whatever you do! Really. Then about 11:00, Jo and I went shopping for decor for the bathrooms at the church, and table deco for the Missions Luncheon at Fall Council Monday. Then to the church to dress up the women's bathroom. Haven't got anything yet for the men's. Just can't make up my mind. Check out the ladies' and see what you think. I just got home at midnight and decided to post a few lines anyway to let you know I am alive...barely, but I am.

Maybe later my mind will jumpstart again and I'll have something interesting to say.

Locked Out!

I still can't get on Kimmie's blog even though she says she fixed it so EVERYONE could. Well, obviously, I got on or I wouldn't know that, however it wouldn't allow me to comment because I'm not a registered guest.

I'm getting a complex.

A Mighty Fine Evenin!

My life is so busy right now, getting ready for the retreat and all. So forgive me for not being much of a blogger lately. I got home tonight about 9:00, cooked my honey and me a "round-house egg" with a couple of slices of crispy bacon! Man, I'd been wanting one of them real bad! You do know what that is, don't you? My mama always made them for me. I found some of that english muffin bread in the bakery at walmart. now that is good! just cut a circle out of the center of your bread with a biscuit cutter, throw some butter in the skillet, stick that bread in the hot butter then crack your egg in the hole, salt & pepper and put your circle from the hole on the side and toast it while your egg is frying up. cook both sides of each and then toss it on the plate and top the egg with the round toast. drop a scoop of jelly on the top of the round toast as an added bonus. now be sure and cook your egg to medium so you have some good egg juice to sop that toast up in. hotdog, that's good!

Now you finish that off with the best "little homemade from scratch all the way fried apple pie in texas" that your dear, dear, most precious friend slaved over, actually sacrificed for, and brought over to your house. Now that's some mighty fine vittles! Thanks Ree! Now I told ya, you gave me something to blog about!

I've determined after reading all the blogs and commenting, that I really have nothing interesting to say. What interesting thing could be said in this house without kids around! I may as well hang it up! And no wonder I have nothing to blog about, I say everything in my comments. I'll be typing along and think, I should be making this my post, it's sure long enough. and by the time my mind thinks that much, I have nothing left for my blog. oh well...go read comments.

Then! I start getting phone calls left and right wanting to know why I haven't told them. Told them what I say. You know what. No, I don't know what.

What?!!! My daughter's pregnant?!! So I get on the blog and there it is those two little words that have spawned so much... "p.s., guess what?" come on jo, you can't do that. fix it. course your friends didn't help! ha. or not.

last... I go to my friends blog and that mean message said, "sorry, (loser) you're obviously not an invited guest to this cool person's blog. if you think this is a mistake, take it up with the cool lady in charge." WHAT, well of course it is a MISTAKE. FIX IT!

LOVE TO ALL.

p.s., guess what?

Vacation

Blessings!

I know everyone is so busy right now. I know that because I am as well. All you teachers are getting jumpstarted again, and that is hard after your relaxing summers. I'm so glad you got to have time together and with your families this summer. But the new year is here and I pray a peaceful, productive, postitive and phenomenal year! (wouldn't pastor be proud) And for the rest of us teachers of life, the very same. For wherever we are, be it school, church, work or home, with friends, family, or co-workers, we are always teaching. Be a Doer of the Word! I speak blessings on each of you, and may those blessing extend beyond and through you! I love you all! And I miss you that are far from me!

Oh, and I promise vacation pictures are coming!

Fresh New Entry

I know this is a long time coming, but here it is. Thanks friends!

I got a Kirlands' gift card from some friends for my birthday. I had a couple of rewards cards as well. Of course I added some to it, but I got this new look for my entry hall and I just love it. I love kirklands! Do you like it?

Be Still, My Soul

Be still, my soul, the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul, thy best, the heavenly Friend
Thro' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul, thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake,
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul, the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul, the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fears are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul, when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Loving From the Oven

Nothing says loving like hot bread from the oven!

Fresh out of the oven with butter & jam or sliced thick and toasted with butter and jam, any way you eat it it's heaven...

Thanks bacamama!

Random Thoughts

Driving home tonight by myself, my mind was pondering...

Remembering when I use to dream of what my children would be like when they grew up and that their future spouses were out there somewhere, and I would wonder what they would be like. And then the thought just hit me...

Now I know.

And my life is so sweet.

Plugged In and Ready to Blog!

"Plug it in, mame, that's all you have to do."

Amazing what those internet repair men can do!

While I Was Away...

*316 emails in 16 days.
*Not nearly as much blogging missed as I anticipated.
*A good 4 hours of checking both.
*My long lost for a year glasses were found by super efficient Ashley! (in the recliner back?)
*Alot of cleaning by super efficient Ashley!
*A ton of mail at home and at work. Maybe 2 tons!
*Internet & phone service at my house has been down the entire time.
*Alot of rain.
*Alot of laundry to do.
*Alot of pounds gained.
*Alot of sweet times with my honey while away!
*We're down to a month before retreat time!
*Some time with family...precious time.
*I miss my ellie and sarah.
*My boys went back.
*My daughter is gone...

I'M BACCCKKK!

Hello everybody! We are finally home! It was so good to sleep in my bed last night! Woke up still exhausted though.

What a whirlwind of a trip. And the emotions! WOW! We have been from our highest to our lowest.

David's brother's funeral was Monday. It was such a moving service. He was a retired captain with the OFD, so about half of one side was filled with fireman in their dress blues. Along with the Fireman Honor Guard. It was quite a moving sight. David spoke briefly at the funeral of his memories of wayne and what he mean't to him as well as the rest of the family. He broke down, just a little. The cemetery was a new cemetery on the complete opposite side of the city and a firetruck led the procession. At every major intersection through town sat a firetruck and it's crew standing beside it. Quite cool. The Honor Guard did the flag, windpipes, taps, and ringing of the bell (a bell rings 3 times signifing his last run.) That one really got me. It was just a beautiful ceremony and we thank the Odessa Fire Dept for honoring David's brother so well. David visited with fireman he had not seen in a long time. That was nice.

Thank you to all of you as well that have sent condolences through cards, calls, and flowers. some of you even drove the distance and attended the funeral. It really mean't alot! Thanks!

I love you all and next blog will be upbeat and hopefully...pictures!

Bad News

I know I said I wouldn't be posting until Friday or Saturday but things have changed rapidly.

We flew out of Chicago to St Louis this morning, spent some time at the Arch Memorial then rented a car and drove to Herrin about 2 hours away to surprise David's sister, Vickie. She was very, very surprised and after the happy excited tears were just about over, seriously within probably 10 miniutes, her phone rang. It was David's neice calling from Odessa and she had just found David & Vickie's brother, Wayne, in his chair not breathing. The ambulance was still there at the time and within a few hours the funeral home & coronor had arrived. Apparently he just went to sleep. Wayne was 53. This is a very sad time. Please pray for the family. We may try to catch an earlier flight tomorrow instead of Friday morning and go straight to Odessa. Looks like we will miss Sunday again. I know you'll understand. Please be there for us and help Lennon out!

I know God's hand was in this leg of the trip. We just decided at the last of our trip planning to make this jump over to St Louis for the purpose of coming and seeing Vickie. This is very hard on her and I know it was a great comfort to have her baby brother here with her when they got the news.

Wayne has 3 daughters and I think 6 grandkids.

We miss you already and we love you Wayne...

Surprise!

Oh, I almost forgot! Last night when I finished blogging and went upstairs David had a surprise waiting on me! New wedding rings!!!! They are BEAUTIFUL! I will be posting a picture asap! I felt really bad though cause we have been talking about doing this and I had bought him a ring and went to have it sized and it was unsizable due to the way it was made so I had to take it back. I shopped in Indy and found one, or two, or three. I just couldn't make up my mind. For one I didn't know exactly what he wanted. A new wedding band or a right had ring. He will be getting a class ring when he finishes his masters, so I just decided maybe I should wait and ask and let him pick one out. I was so disappointed I didn't have one for him. So we'll be shopping soon for his! Can't wait for ya'll to see it! I love it, although I did go to put my rings on this morning and reached for my old ones...
they looked so lonely laying there alone...forgotten...put away to pasture after 30 years...

Oh well, I'll just have to have another ring made for my right hand out of the diamonds!

I'm just so stinkin sentimental!

p.s. I love you baby!

Tired Old People!

Whew, my doggies are screaming! We just got back from the Cubs game. We rode the metra over from the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant. The restaurant was wonderful, epensive but very good. That was right after we walked our tushies off at the Field Museum and Aquarium. We looked over at the Planeterium and couldn't bring ourselves to take the walk! We'll regret it later. The aquarium was great! I somehow got lost from David in the museum in the Ancient Americas Exhibit. It was stinkin HUGE! and it circled around in a maze fashion. I started to go back and find him but was scared I would never find my way out so I just kept moving. He thought the same so kept moving as well. I got out and found a bench and stayed put until he found me about 5 minutes later! Man! Glad that's over!

Wrigley Field was great and PACKED! We left a little early to beat the crowd to the train. It was sooo hot in there! But we had our hotdog at Wrigley Field, even though we had just stuffed our face not 2 hours earlier. David says that's just what you do?! Okay.

Our taxi will be here to pick us up at 7:10 in the morning. We're flying over to St. Louis to do some sight-seeing and then driving down to see David's sister Vickie. Then flying back to San Antonio Friday. So this we'll be my last post until I get home.

Thanks for sharing my vacation with me! It has gone by way to fast. I'm not ready to leave!!!

Thanks!

Thanks everybody for all the anniversary wishes! We had a great time today. Have only been back a few minutes and what did we do...I rushed up to our room to get our laptops while David got us a diet coke. I met him in a little nook of the lobby where the free internet is and logged right on to check my blogs.

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous! I don't mean to make ya'll jealous and all, but it was 74 here today and out on the water I needed a sweater! Out on the water means we went on a 1 1/2 hour cruise on a big sail boat, The Windy. One of those with 6 sails. It was so cool and on the way back the sun was setting on the skyline of Chicago! It was breathtaking! We took a big tour today and ended it at the Navy Pier. Ate dinner at Bubba Gump's. Great shrimp! Tomorrow we are going to start early and hit The Field Museum along with The Science Museum, Planeterium, and The Shedd Aquarium. I'm really excited about these! We are going to try to have an early dinner at a cool restaurant I found between here and Wrigley Field called The Chicago Firehouse (or something like that) it's in an old Chicago Firehouse! Thought David would love it. Then it's on to Wrigley Field and the Cubs vs the Reds! It will be another full but extremely fun day!

I have so many pictures already. Hopefully I will get ya'll a slide show soon!

Until another adventure...

Happy 30th Anniversary Sweetheart!

30 years ago tonight at 8:00 I married the love of my life! I knew it the first time I seen him with that blonde hair blowing in the breeze as he was crossing the street in front of Odessa High School the first day of school my sophomore year. I knew he would be the one I married a few months after that. It would be Spring before we finally became a couple and after that it was pretty much history.

Three precious children, a daughter by marriage and a son by marriage, and a beautiful granddaughter later we are still going and growing and I wouldn't change the last 30 years for anything in this world.

We have been blessed with something not many get to have and I want you to know that I love you from the depths of my soul. You are my soul mate!

I look forward to the next 30 years together making moments!

I love you sweetie-pie! Now let's go see Chicago!

Fun in Chicago!

We have been going like crazy after arriving in Chicago! We arrived last night and found our room okay, a little small with a queen bed, which David doesn't fit well on at all, but quaint and kinda antique feeling. We are staying at the Milennium Knickerbocker Hotel. Ain't that something, bring SA with us! We were exhausted but went out and walked up and down "Michigan Ave", stopped at The Cheesecake factory and shared a burger and cheesecake, roamed the streets and went down to the Nave Pier and watched the fireworkds then made our way to the greatest little park right around the corner from our hotel, ya know one of those "necking parks" Ha! We took pics of other couples for them!

After a night of this rattling noise in the air conditioner that was so annoying it made it's way into my dreams in different forms, like about 5 different dreams it was something in my dream, it was CRAZY!, we moved to a new room. It is bigger, has king bed, and hopefully the ac won't rattle!

This afternoon we went to a broadway show called "The Spelling Bee" at the Drury Theatre, is was really good and we had a blast. I wanted to see "Wicked" so bad, it's a show about "before dorothy" about the good witch and the bad witch. it was sold out and the con. here at the hotel found us 2 tickets...FOR $195 A PIECE! So we opted for another. =( I was so disappointed! Tonight we went to see "The Blue Man Group" at the Briar Street Theater. It was really DIFFERENT but we really liked it.

Tomorrow is a brand new adventure at the Navy Pier...

Check back Monday evening and I'll try to post some pics!

General Council 2nd Installment

I know I didn't post yesterday, but although this is a wonderful hotel, they charge $10 a day to use the internet! That is stinkin ridiculous!! But...I've paid for 3 days so far, so ya gotta know I luv ya!

Last night was a great service. Our Asst Superintendent, Charles Crabtree, spoke on the need for discipleship for our fellowship to continue into the next generation. It was a very moving message. A challenging message. And although, we feel very strongly, always have, about discipleship; that's why we believe in School of Ministry & Life Groups, better buckle up, I'm sure in the next few months we will put in place a very strong appeal for more. We had already been praying about what we need to do. The worship was INCREDIBLE! The technology was out of this world.
I hope some of you found it on the INSP Network and watched.

Tonight was the Missions emphasis, which is my favorite night. The missionaries always march in to their theme song with flags from every country. It is just a spectacular sight. Well, the business session lasted from 9 this morning until almost 6 o'clock and we were late by the time we got over to the Conseco Fieldhouse, so we missed the first part of the service. Can't tell you much about that part, but every missionary was put on the screen and walked to center court where there was a globe on the floor in the middle of a gigantic red cross. They formed a huge circle around it and from where we were sitting in the nose bleed section was an incredible sight. The youth convention was going on simultaneously in the RCA Dome and was at that moment brought up on the screen, it was cool. The 10 thousand+ kids were shouting along with the thousands of adults at the Conseco, as the National Youth Director was saying he was commissioning, he hoped, 500 campus missionaries from this group, as the missionaries were being commissioned. He said 7,000 had stepped forward! Baby, there was some shouting going on! Bro Trask commissioned all of them. Just the coolest thing. Oh, and last night as the service starts at 7, the Youth man had challenged the youth the night before to come at 6:00 to pray for revival...at 5:00 he got a call from security saying there were about 5,000 kids waiting for the doors to open. I don't think the adults would have shown that early or at all...God is doing something in our youth. Praise God!

Speaking of youth, our Fine Arts Human Video Team did awesome! They got a very high score their first round and were called back for round two. They didn't place that time but they were absolutely incredible. I'm not prejudice here, but I'm telling you I watched alot of round 2 and they were the best. Them judges just didn't get it! I was very proud of them and you should be as well. Good job Team Go!

There will be some things tomorrow ending with a combined service with the youth at 3:30. Our plane will head to Chicago at 6:45. So I'll touch in again soon. We have had a wonderful time.

Oh yeah, we have a new General Superintendent Dr. George Woods, a new Asst. Superintendent Alton Garrison, General Secretary John Palmer, plus a whole new crew of Executive Presbyters. Several resolutions dealing with divorce were passed. 31 resolutions in all were voted on. Tired bunch.

I'm posting a few pics of the "Team Go" as they competed in Round 2 and tonight's commissioning service. You can see all the missionaries in the middle and if you look closely you can see the youth on the screen.

Oh, and by the way, NO STARBUCKS OR MUFFIN for the last 2 mornings. I guess it was good while it lasted!