Miles and His Birthday Guitar - Age 2!

We so enjoyed the Debi, J., Miles, plus one almost here...and Miles made us laugh the most! He is quite the entertainer and such a great personality on him but we couldn't always figure what he was saying. Anyway we thought that like his daddy, he might want to play the guitar. So we saw this at children's store that sells used, but in very nice condition, children's clothes and toys. Nonnie had to buy it and he was a hoot! Happy Birthday little guy!

Decorated for Christmas

From the Nutcrackers guarding the front door, to the Nativity front and center in the formal, the Angels singing, and the winter wonderland snowman...Merry Christmas from us at home in SO CAL! PS The Lantern was the center piece for our Christmas Banquet tables. Found them in IKEA...first time in there and I promise it won't be the last time...what a great store!

I've been tagged - "The Eight Meme's"

Gee, thanks Rachel for Tagging Me - I hope I can do this:

8 TV SHOWS I Watch: TOP CHEF, Survivor, Biggest Loser, America's Got Talent, Secret Millionaire (great new show), Designed to Sell, Amazing Race, Anything on the FoodNetwork.

8 Favorite Restuarants - Macaroni Grill, LeChene, Stonefire, Claim Jumper, Corner Bakery, Sisley, BJ's, Salt Creek Grille, and The Vines.

8 Things that happened to me today - Rachel called, went to Whole Foods, husband sent me an email, I got tagged in this crazy thing, joined Twitter, changed an outside house light, neighbor said "hello", lawn service came and I gave them a check plus Christmas money.

8 Things I look forward to - getting my Christmas poem done and cards mailed, opening presents from my husband, watching him open his presents from me, hoping the girls like their "special" present, meeting my newest grandchild, selling our house in CA and paying cash for a house "someday", a new, healthy body, and meeting Jesus.

8 Things I wish For: My husband's health and career success, My children's health and career success, my grandchildren accept Christ early in their lives and never leave or forsake Him, a deeper relationship with Christ, a trip to Precept Ministries for more training, a way to reach others about Christ, a more godly nation (US), Christ's return sooner rather than later.

8 People I Tag to do this too! - I don't think I know 8 people personally on blogspot to tag: hmmm - other than my children and their friends I am out of ideas for names...so sorry.

Happy 30th Birthday Baby Girl!

Just couldn't let the day go by without adding some pictures over the last 30 years of Rachel our oldest daughter. Born December 11th, in Germany at 2:35a.m.! Enjoy the day, and many blessings with much love.

PS Still can not figure out how to load these pictures correctly and scan them so they are straight! Sigh*

Thirty Years Ago Today...

I looked like this...

It's hard to believe, but thirty years ago today we were stationed in Germany, and I was over due by 5 days at this point. If you had told me I would have to wait another 48 hours to meet my first child, a daughter we would name Rachel, I probably would have burst into tears! Now my darling firstborn is about to be 30 and I want to stop the clock. Where has the time gone? How can she be thirty? My very inquistive, determined, intelligent and beautiful baby is now a mother of her own, times three! God is so good to me. Truly I am blessed! She is a wonderful wife, mother, woman, and committed Christian. I love being her mom.

What I Did Over Thanksgiving Week

We so enjoyed our time with Debi, J. and Miles we wish they lived maybe an hour away instead of two days away. Miles is so great with a terrific, fun personality and will soon be turning 2! Baby brother should be here in about 8 weeks. But what a lovely family they have become.

Out Of The Boot and Into A Sneaker!

Hooray! Hooray! Yesterday the surgeon told me I was ready to graduate to a sneaker for my foot! Yea! I feel like I just got out of prison! The foot is still a little swollen and stiff, but things are moving along. Now on with Holiday preparations.

PS Today, Friday, I managed to go down the stairs normally for the first time in 15 months! This was worth all the surgery and aftermath!

One Lame Duck

In case you didn't already know, I had foot surgery a week ago today. Yes, more surgery on my right side from that fall off my bike over a year ago! Actually, I think I am doing pretty well, with very little need for pain killers, and the crutches and wheelchair have been put aside around the house. The only truly hard and challenging part remains taking a shower. I have to put a trash bag on my leg, since the foot isn't to get wet while its in a cast, and then I prop my leg up on the half wall of the shower, leaning back and twisting sideways towards the opposite wall to get my head under the showerhead. Now mind you this is a rather large walk-in shower stall about 4 1/2 feet wide and the half wall has the jacuzzi tub, on the opposite side of the shower, is about 3 feet high. No easy feet, oops I mean feat, when you are wet, soapy and standing on one leg (which is violently shaking after a few minutes of taking all my weight) stretching backwards in a half twist.
Why, that almost sounds like an Olympic gold medal accomplishment with perfect 10's in agility, flexibility, heighth, breadth, artistic and creative manuevering and most importantly, cleaniness! Truth be told today while I was drying off, I removed the plastic bag, and then tried to shave my legs...not a pretty sight. To my mind it has brought new meaning to the term, "Lame Duck." I chuckled to myself that thank the LORD no one had to witness this not so pretty site of woman with a boot on one foot in a protective garbage bag, attempting the ultimate act of squeaky clean...shaving her legs! I can hear the announcer saying, "now there is one lame duck." I agree.
Picture to follow soon...I mean of the foot.
And here it is...day 8.

Early Christmas Shopping

The beginning of fall is also a time for our household to start planning out and preparing for the holidays. I know it's early, but I usually get all the Christmas shopping done over the next month and then wrap and ship the boxes before Thanksgiving. It's something I have done for years, because when we lived overseas packages had to be sent rather early in order to arrive on time. So even though that's not necessary anymore it has been beneficial for our household to just get it all done way ahead of schedule. It's one less stress and we seem to enjoy the holidays more once we get that behind us. So yesterday, my spouse and I were able to go to the "big toy store" and shop for our grandchildren. Haven't really done much toy shopping in the last two decades and it was fun to go back and remember when we bought for our girls when they were little. Much to my surprise, Cabbage Patch dolls are back and reasonably priced as well! I remember buying my girls those dolls before they became the hit item of the season one year... I think it was 1983. I bought them in October and by December people were paying triple what I had paid. Meanwhile, the two precious dolls sat in the basement waiting for that special day when they would be "adopted" with a birth certificate, name, and vital statistics already prepared! I kept thinking since we were short on cash all the time, I should sell those two dolls and make some money! Ha! But I didn't sell them and Christmas morning, though the girls were only 5 and 2, they loved their sweet new baby dolls!
Now I have to adjust my shopping for 3 grandsons and another on the way, which translates into toy trucks, building blocks, and Thomas the Train cars! It's so different, but equally fun. However, I confess that I sent my husband to pick out those items while I headed over to the "girls section." Since I do have one sweet little grand daughter to shop for I probably spent an hour in the doll aisles trying to find just the right doll for an almost one year old little girl. I'm still looking because I couldn't find what I was looking for, but that is the fun of it which is something my husband just doesn't quite get. He has always been one of those men who when he goes shopping, goes in, gets what he wants, and leaves. No meandering the aisles for him. Drives me crazy when I just want to look at everything and he leans on the shopping cart like he's going to die. So, he fills the cart with the requested boy items and says, "what else are we getting?" Answer: "I don't know, let's just look and see what else there is." Of course, he doesn't say anything but his whole demeanor is shouting..."let's get out of here before I break out in hives!" I remember one time my husband was shopping for me in a shop that is very much a woman's store...lot's of fun decorating items like candles, dishes, quilts, etc., when a woman pushing a little boy in a stroller came in, and kid was screaming his head off. My husband assured the woman that there was nothing wrong, but that it must be genetic because he felt like screaming too. and it must start early in life. All the women in the store just starting laughing. I suppose there is just no understanding of basic gender differences especially when it comes to shopping. So, maybe the real reason we shop early in the season is so my husband won't be screaming to get out of the stores while driving all the other shoppers to distraction. It's possible you know. This is why women never take their husband shopping with them, and why men are okay about it. It keeps peace on earth.

A Warm Blanket

Fall is here even in Southern California and though the days are still hot and the A/C is turned on for a few hours, the nights are cool and crisp allowing us to pull the covers/quilts/blankets up. I call it "the best sleeping weather." Windows are open, a slight cool breeze, and quiet reigns. But now I have discovered I have the best warm blanket of all! Lately, as my study of God's Word continues to surround me on a daily basis I have begun to think of His Word as a "warm blanket." Afterall, it seems His Word covers me and surrounds me with His protection, love and assurances just like a blanket.

As my family will attest, I am a quilt lover. My grandma used to make them out of scraps of fabric and each scrap could tell a bit of the story of her life. One scrap might be a shirt she made for her husband or an apron for herself, another a dress for a granddaughter, or still another from a halloween costume. Sewn altogether those scraps became a beautiful quilt that I still treasure today! My warm blanket from the Word is a lot like that...the story of Abraham being called out of Ur to relationship and friendship with the LORD. Or how faithful Daniel was even though he was held captive in Babylon, and Esther courageously speaking to the king on behalf of her people. Most importantly, the story of God's own Son sacrificially atoning for my sins! And then there are the many promises we can claim: He will never leave me, He will guide me, He sees me, His grace is sufficient! And on, and on... Such a comfort when the winds of life blow! God's Word is my warm spiritual quilt in which I can cover and wrap myself. His faithfulness, love, and peace in the midst of any of life's storms. So as the fall season commences and I pull the blankets up to comfort and warm me, I think of His Holy Word as my best warm blanket of all. Hope you have the best warm blanket too...just like mine.

Kevin is in Glory Now

Thank you all for your prayers on behalf of my friend's son, Kevin. Yesterday his parents elected to turn off the equipment and completely surrender their son to the LORD. Five hours later Kevin stepped into glory. Having seen what cancer had done to his body, I know with utter confidence Kevin would have chosen the same for himself. Please, when God lays this family on your heart, continue your prayers for them and may they be fully comforted and aware of God's presence in their lives as only He can do. Thank you so very much.

My Rag Doll Friend

I have a sweet friend, that I like to call my "rag doll friend." The reason I call her that is she is the kind of friend that you want to tuck under your arm and drag around with you, with one thumb in your mouth, and the other hand doing what needs to be done. Her name is Diana. She has such a sweet disposition and the most trusting faith in the LORD that I have always been drawn to her. She makes me joyful when I am with her. She is the epitomy of coming to the LORD like a little child.

Last night my sweet friend, her husband and their family received word their 26 year old son Kevin who has been battling cancer since June will not survive this battle. The doctors have said they have done all they can do, but the cancer has surrounded his lungs and they cannot save him. Praise God anyway! Kevin accept Christ at the tender age of 7 and will soon meet him in Glory! My rag doll friend believes this too and so though there is grief there is confidence in Christ. I ask for your prayers as this family seeks God's guidance as to what additional medical care, if any, there should be. I love my friend and I weep with her and her family, but I rejoice that our hope is in our heavenly precious God and Savior and we who believe know where Kevin will be going. Praise HIS HOLY NAME!

For All Women EveryWhere - Sarah Palin

Well one thing's for sure about Sarah Palin: She is a breath of fresh air. A much badly needed role model of what a courageous, confident, Christian woman looks like in the face of enormous resistance and hostility. No matter what side of the aisle one chooses the truth is Sarah is definitely a role model for most of us. There is no pretense, but the sincerity of her convictions is evident by the way she has been living her life. Sarah is not shy about speaking up when she believes there is something wrong.
I envy her confidence...I want what she has and upon closer inspection, as the bits and pieces of her life prior to the national spotlight become public, we all know why she has the confidence she does. It is her confidence in her Christian faith that she has been living most of her life. Jesus is her moral compass! And as a Christian I have the same confidence in Christ Jesus that she has! No matter the outcome of the election Sarah will be fine because she puts her trust in the LORD. Not man, not political friends, not position or money or any other idol. Just the real thing...Jesus. He is the real deal.
I hope women everywhere are recognizing there is still another alternative for how we live our lives. Prayerful, gracefilled, and confident in the LORD. Most of all courageous. Sarah speaks up. She stated yesterday when interviewing with Sean Hannity that her "faith is her foundation".
I am so grateful for Sarah as a Christian role model for girls everywhere and I realize how important it is to speak up! At the conference two weeks ago in Las Vegas, entitled Deeper Still, Kay Arthur really exhorted us to speak up as Christians when we see things that are wrong. When "truth is broken in the streets." For too long we have been silent letting the truth be twisted and perverted. So ladies...it's time to speak up! Lovingly, without judgement, but it is time to stand up and say "no more, this is wrong." And I am so grateful for Sarah because she is speaking up.

Another Grand SON!

Oh My! Well, it's hard to believe, but we are currently still absorbing the fact that we are having our 4th Grandson who will also be our 5th grand child! We are of course delighted that God is entrusting our daughters, son in laws, and us with yet another blessed child of His, but we are still a little bit in shock that he is yet another boy! Especially, after having two girls! Us ladies are feeling little run over by all the boy stuff, but very delighted with our little pink bundle of joy, Charis, and we love Ethan, Nate, and Miles to pieces. We are thrilled that Debi won't need surgery for her hernia until after the baby is born and that so far, our unborn little one is just fine! Our Cup just keeps running over, and over, and over, and over, and over!

Ethan singing

Our oldest grandson has been singing for a while now. He even has heard Nonnie's iPod, Blessed Be the Name song, and was singing along with her. Melting hearts is what this wonderful young boy does...So without further ado here's Ethan singing a made up song about Thomas the Train in video 1.

A Season of Sorrow and Hardships

What an difficult season for so many of my friends right now. It seems that everyone is struggling with the loss of someone or something. Loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of home, or even an adult child's marriage. We are grieving with and praying for all. Psalm 121 keeps running through my head today and then Casting Crowns song titled I Will Praise You In This Storm. So I decided to see if I could find the song on YouTube and viola! Here it is...I pray it encourages anyone out there who is struggling with loss. Our God is awesome and He knows and sees all. We will praise Him in our storms...we do know the one and only living God. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw&feature=related

We are experiencing technical difficulties

Well, I have tons of pictures to post but for some reason the computer will not let me up load anything. So we're working on it...just don't know when we will get it fixed. In any event, we are fine, but would ask for prayer over some other "technical difficulties" with relationships that have gone askew. Would like to have heavenly wisdom, knowledge, and understanding for the best way to manage the situations. In the meantime, we are off to Oregon for a quick visit with dear friends and family. Can't wait to see everyone it's been too long. Last year was the first time we haven't been back since our move in '01.

Miles walking Scooter

Ethan singing to his grandparents

Our oldest grandson has been singing for a while now. He even has heard Nonnie's iPod, Blessed Be the Name song, and was singing along with her. Melting hearts is what this wonderful young boy does...So without further ado here's Ethan singing a made up song about Thomas the Train in video 1, and Jesus loves me in video 2.