Recent events

So much has happened since I last blogged...... Where do the days go?! They have been full but great, for the most part at least :-)

Since my last post, I have been to Cincinnati, OH, for Esther's graduation from GBS. It made a mama's heart "proud" for all her accomplishments! Good job, Esther!!!!

I also found out that I am going to be a Grandma (Gammy). Don't you love it?! And what makes it even greater is, I'm no older than before....... :-) We are SO happy for Joshua and Rhoda and are looking forward to the arrival of our 1st grandchild

Joshua had an accident at work, and messed up two of his fingers pretty badly. The cut on his pointer finger went clear to the bone, took out a big hunk, and broke the bone. We are thankful that it wasn't any worse, and the Dr. was able to do surgery to repair the damage. I'd add a couple pics, but there are those among my blogging friends who have a weak stomach. You're welcome :-)

Some church friends put together a Memorial Day picnic, which was great fun for all. I'll try to add the pics in the right places. One of these days I'll get it figured out!!!

God has been so good. I'm thankful for the blessings He has given.

Enjoy your friends and those whom God has placed in your life.......

A good Laugh :-)

This week has been very long and pretty stressful, so I felt like I needed to relax a little, enjoy "life", focus on something humorous. Well, I found just what I needed in an email a friend sent me awhile back. Hope you can enjoy and have a good laugh...... at their expense!!

Thoughts to ponder.....

I have been updating notes that I took during Mode Camp and church, copying them into a notebook. They were on loose sheets of paper in the front of my Bible. There were lots of papers--2 1/2 years worth. Yes, it was a mess.... Fortunately the other notes are written IN my Bible!!

Anyway, in the process of getting organized, I read some very encouraging and challenging material. Thought I'd share some comments with you. Thanks Bro. Bailey, Keith, and others who have shared and taught.

I can't exempt myself from the things I expect from others.

I am valuable because the God of Eternity loves me.

The answers to life's questions are only of value to those who seek for them.

An assumption is something you accept as truth without proof of knowledge.

"Peace in our hearts" is the soil in which holiness grows best.

Trust is a result of a decision you make.

Well, I'll leave you with these for now, and save some for later :-) Have a blessed week!

What a Vacation!!

Yes, we made it safely home yesterday, and what a time we had! I'll try not to make this blog too long, but there is so much to tell!! We traveled on the Amtrak last Sun. to New Orleans; it was a 15 1/2 hour ride with lots of pretty scenery along the way. There we boarded the Carnival Fantasy Ship for a five day Western Caribbean Cruise. I know you're probably mostly interested in the pictures.... so I will post a few :-) I haven't quite gotten this adding pictures thing down pat yet, so hopefully you won't be too confused.

An iguana that "met" me when I climbed a hedge to take pictures. It scared the life out of me. I didn't know he was there!!! It got really upset when I took HIS picture!! He threw his head back and made hissing noises at me. I decided it was best to leave him alone!!!

A picture taken from the fourth level looking down. There were 11 levels on the ship.

Weary traveler!! You have to love the "pillow" Taking the picture didn't even wake him :-)

We missed the prettiest part of the sunrise, but this gives a little idea.

A sailor enjoying the Caribbean waters. You can see the color of the water a little better in this pics.

The sand is different than the Atlantic and Pacific sands. It is more like tiny, tiny pieces of a seashell-rock combination. It doesn't stick to you like other sand. Beautiful~ a Magnificient Creator!

A brown iguana hidden in the branches. Our taxi driver on the way to the shore spotted it and stopped so we could take a picture.

One of the big highlights of our trip at Yucatan, Mexico, the city of Chichen Itza. This is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was amazing!!

The Carnival Fantasy Ship. It was huge!! 2,400 plus guests and 920 staff members. I'll admit it took us..... a couple days..... to get used to where we needed to go :-)

Well, I have lots more pictures and things to share, but will wind it up for this post. Thanks, kids, for making this possible!! We appreciate your sacrifices to make it happen for us. It was a memorable 25th Anniversary celebration!!! We love you guys.

Thinking......

It's been a busy day with a wide variety of things going on. My mind has been busy, too, especially this evening. It all started when I went into a business to pick something up for Randy. The 3 people working there were of such different dispositions, I couldn't help but notice. The lady in the back was cranky, unfriendly, rude to her fellow workers. She kept yelling at them about things that didn't suit her fancy. The guy up front was demanding, fast-pace, yet somewhat helpful when she yelled at him enough. The other girl was rather nervous, unsure of herself, and definitely embarrassed by the other woman's actions.

This scene immediately brought to mind a saying I'd heard several years ago. Perhaps you heard it, too. It went something like this. "Be careful. You're sportin' a 'tude!!" Yes, we ARE all spreading some kind of attitude---without "trying" maybe..... or maybe deliberately--to give an intended message.

I left that store realizing that maybe my 'tude could use some adjusting. How about yours?

Two for One!!!

It's the time of year for furry friends to seek warmth and shelter....during these cold winter temps, so they found our house :-) Wallace, our mini-schnauzer, began sniffing fiercly at the cabint door this moring. When we investigated, we were surprised to find two friends instead of one sharing the same trap! I had the bright idea of taking a picture, just so I could post for your enjoyment, by the way. Anyway, in the process of taking the pix, one of the creatures got loose. He ran into the living with Wallace in hot pursuit. Tim moved the bookshelf where he was hiding and the chase was on again. Poor Wallace, though! The mouse disappeared through a crack in the floor. He will hopefully never be heard from or seen again!

What a great way to begin the day, huh? It was convient for me that I was unavailable when all this took place. Wallace on the other hand, has kept a close watch on the cabinet door all day long awaiting his "friend" to return.... Well, until next time, have a wonderful day!!

New Beginnings

Happy New Year! Trust it has begun well for you. Many people begin with resolutions, diets, exercise programs, going back to school, or a number of other "new" beginnings. I decided to try my hand, or rather my mind, at blogging. Why not, huh? One of our children gave us a really nice camera for Christmas, so why not put the pics to good use :-) We'll see how that all goes.....

We did have a wonderful Christmas with all seven children home. First year to have a married child with her husband, and it was super!!! The house always feels so empty when they leave. I know, I know, with five still home it really isn't, but it sure feels that way.

Well, looking forward to great days ahead and ideas to post.....