God Is Already There...

We are coming to the end of 2007. There have been good times, great times and sad times and a great many memories to look back on. At midnight we will turn a new page in time. We don't know what this New Year holds, but we do know who holds tomorrow!

Enjoy each day...
Do not be afraid of tomorrow
For God is already there.

Ending The Year

Well, we made it! If you are reading this, we're ending the year. :) Heh, why not on a happy note?

I talked with my parents this morning and dad wondered if I had my New Year's resolutions made yet. Well, in fact, I started the list a few days ago! At my age, you just don't jump right in and get it down. It is one of my highlights of the year. New resolutions, the old behind us and a new start before us. No, I don't keep them all. I'm just not perfect. But, I am satisfied with what I did accomplish this year. I am happy to see where the Lord has walked with me, carried me and comforted me. It's been a good year!

The Goal List

What did you accomplish?
What did you not?
Another year's gone
with memories, a lot.

The goal list is out.
I'm marking them off.
I succeeded here...
And, here, I did not.

The year's ending soon
After I take stock,
of the goals that I've met
And, what I have not.

I'll take out my pen
Make a new list.
Working real hard
on my accomplishments.

A New Year's Thought

This was in our church bulletin yesterday and I thought that I would share this with you since I did not post yesterday. What a powerful one word resolve!

"Never to do anything which I should be afraid to do it were the last hour of my life."
-Jonathan Edwards

Happy Anniversary Wayne & Wilma

Happy Anniversary Wayne & Wilma. This blog entry is dedicated to you.

You'll Never Walk Alone

As we come to the close of another year in a couple of days. I find courage when I think of this song and acknowledge that he Lord definitely walks with us at all times through the good and the bad. We reflect on all the things that have happened in the last year and look forward to the next year. This song is for my mom who lost her brother last New Years Eve.

When You Walk Through a Storm

When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of a storm is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.

Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Tho' your dreams
Be tossed and blown.

Walk on..
Walk on..
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone.

Walk on..
Walk on..
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone.

http://www.desertwebcenter.com/YouNeverWalkAlone.

Wonderful Christmas Time!

Hasn't it been a wonderful Christmas time? This past week has been so full of going, but there has been an inner peace and calm in the midst of it all.

Amy and Paul and their families have been in. Of course, we had a surprise Sat. for my husband who reached a milestone in his life last week. It was a You're How Old? surprise party. He was really surprised and happy that we got his parents, my parents, brothers and sisters, children & grandchildren and few friends together. He was so surprised and happy! I won't tell you how old he was, but, he got his Golden Buckeye Card! :)

Amy had to go back to Kansas for Christmas, but we got to be with her a couple days and that was special! I'm so glad that she could come in and that she missed all the bad weather in her travels coming and and going back out west. She is safe at home again, but feeling a little under the weather.

We spent Christmas dinner at my parents. They had a nice dinner as usual. This is a highlight in mom and dad's year. They've always enjoyed Christmas and family. They put a lot into having a good dinner and it means so much to them. It is good to enjoy Christmas with my brothers and sister and the nieces and nephews that can come.

Merrill and I have Christmas supper. We set up a buffet at 6:30. At Christmas, I have turkey and ham and the fixings. There was plenty of food. We do like doing it this way. (I think I tend to Not overeat because I know that there is another meal and I do not like to be miserable from overeating.) This is the way we do Thanksgiving and Christmas. It works well for us.

Before the family started arriving, I lit the Advent candles and turned off the light above the table. Of course this is when you light the the Christ candle. Later, I explained it to a few of the family who didn't know what I was doing. It has been a blessed time of year and it will definitely be a part of Merrill and my family tradition for years to come.

We really enjoyed our Christmas with the family! We had such an enjoyable time with the children and grandchildren. Of course, there is the gift giving and games that last up until around midnight or later. It was a just wonderful loving family time!

I sure hope that those of you who read my blog had a wonderful Christmas too. I checked out some of the blogs to see what was going on in my relatives and friends lives. It is fun to read what everyone is doing and how they celebrate Christmas.


Today, I am enjoying the memories!

God Bless You This Christmas Day!

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David:
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:1-14

Jesus Is The Reasaon For The Season

Today is Christmas Day and the last Advent candle is lit. The day that we have been waiting for has come and the celebration of the Reason for The Season.

"Advent, Advent the little light burns,
First one, then two, then three, then four,
Then the Christ child at the door."

Happy Birthday Ryan

Happy 11th Birthday Ryan. This blog entry is dedicated to you!

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

This is the Sunday that we light the fourth Advent candle that represents love.

Happy Birthday Michael

Happy Birthday to our son-in-law, Michael. This blog entry is dedicated to you!

Another Cat Story...

Well, Snowflake, has started going out some. She was an inside, outside cat at Amys. I don't like the in or out thing because that means if I don't catch her coming in she will drag in dirty snow or mud. But, it makes her happy.

She made friends this morning with the cat that we got in last fall and could not catch. I sure hope she doesn't learn bad habits and I definitely do not want her to bring the other cat in. It does not listen and it is still wild. All it will do is come up and eat. Anyway, she has been out to meet the other cats this morning and they all seemed to like her. But, she was ready to come in after a time.

Now, Paul, I think that Dudley should like Snowflake. I can always let Lowell cat sit and see!(Provided, he promises not to feed Snowflake to Dudley!!!) :)

Beautiful Snowy Day

The snows still on and it is a beautiful outside.I know that it will not last since rain is on it's way, but we can enjoy it for the day. At least those of us who do not have to be out in it. :)


I brought Snow Flake, the cat, back from Kansas. Amy couldn't keep her so she lives with us now. She's a real lovable cat and is very smart as far as cats go. She is white with blue eyes (she has some tan on her ears and tail) and we're trying to find out what part of her heritage is. She is a mixed breed. I think she has some Tonkinese in her ancestry which is linked back to Burmese and Siamese cats. White cats with blue eyes go deaf a lot of times so I'm hoping she has the Tonkinese background and enough mix that she will be o.k. Miss Priss, Amy's mother cat,is more white and has blue eyes also. She has longer hair and is very pretty. Snow Flake or Little Miss Priss, since I keep calling her Miss Priss, is pretty and well behaved. Of course, she is becoming more accustomed to our house and I have to use a water bottle to train her to stay off and away from things. She sees the bottle and runs. She does kinda remind you of a dog because she seems to understand and a lot of cats do not. Our beautiful gray cat, mittens, is well behaved and loving and she seems to understand what you want her to do also. My other cats, you might as well talk to the wall. I'm not sure if my new cat will be an inside or outside cat. Right now, she's inside because she's still a kitten and I want her to live. All my other cats are outside and come and go from the barn. I let mittens in sometimes because she does listens and is also very lovable .

Well, that's my cat story. I like animals and they are good for old people. :)! I think we've even got Merrill convinced - a little. He was out chasing Snow Flake yesterday when she slipped out the door. That's a rarity!!!

I did add some to my previous postings. I edited my Dec 11 and 13 blogs and put slide shows on for Duane's birthday and my parents anniversary. If you're interested, you might want to check those out.

Happy Birthday Merrill

This bog entry is dedicated to my dear husband, Merrill Lavy. Have a happy birthday, I love you!

The Third Sunday of Advent

The Third Sunday of Advent, traditionally uses the pink or rose colored candle, and symbolizes Joy at the soon Advent of Christ.

Amy's Graduation Pictures

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

Congratulations Amy

Congratulations Amy on a job well done! We're so happy for you!!!

We're so glad that we can be here, and that Beth can be here with you to celebrate.

Happy Birthday Duane

Happy Birthday Duane this blog entry is dedicated to you.

Goings On...

Amy is finished with nursing school and the ceremony is Wed eve., but the midwest is hit with an ice storm. We are waiting to see if they are going on as scheduled. We were planning on leaving in the morning, but not with the "no travel" weather advisory. Hopefully, by the end of today it will be better. They will be so disappointed if we don't make it. Here's the Kansas Grandmunchkins! :)

On the other hand these little guys are enjoying weather around 65 degree in NC. It just isn't right! lol!!! Here are the North Carolina Grandmunchkins!:)

Hustle and Bustle

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart."

Proverbs 15:30

We're definitely into the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. Try as we may, it's hard not to get caught up in running here and there. When I went grocery shopping Saturday at Meijer, the parking lot was full and there weren't very many available carts.

Saturday shopping was fun. No, I didn't buy any gifts, but I did find several occasions to give a friendly smile that was taken with a return smile. To me, that's part of the joy of Christmas!

Happy Birthday Lauryn

Happy Birthday Lauryn this blog entry is dedicated to You! Hope you've had a great day!!!

Second Sunday of Advent

"Peace, peace, the people say, but there is not peace."

Today is the second Sunday of the Advent Season and the second candle is lit that represents peace to remind us that true peace is possible, because through Jesus we are reconciled to God and to one another.

We look around us and we certainly don't see peace. Trouble and trials, pain and suffering is rampant. Even is this violent and hurting world we can trust God's great love which is stronger than all our weakness, troubles and fear.

Check This Out...

This is one cute Santa, but I'm not sure about his gift giving abilities, the reindeer, sleigh and the rest. But...he good to look at and he laughs alot!

What is success?

What is success? Have you ever thought about what it means to be successful? Success means a lot to different people. To some it is having a lot of money to be able to do what they want, to others it’s being famous, to others it’s being powerful to be a “ shaker and maker”, to others its achieving their goals, to others it’s being the best person possible and setting a good example, and to a Christian it is giving, sharing and loving.

In today’s world the emphasis is so much on “me”. A person that lives only for himself will never set a good example and often brings trouble and heartache to themselves and those around them. Just listen to the news and you’ll find ample examples.

My thought today is that we should try to make the world a better place, share with others the love of God, help others, comfort others so that they are sad when it is your time to leave the world. Leave a good memory.

I ran across this poem in one of my files and thought that I would share it with you today. It is not a Christian poem, but it makes you think.


What is Success?
By Ralph Waldo Emerson

To laugh often and love much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the approval of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give of one's self;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
and sung with exultation;
To know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived...
This is to have succeeded.

On The Inside Looking Out

Well, I'm on the inside looking out and it is beautiful! Since it snowed again, let's enjoy the snow while we can.

This is a picture of our actual Advent centerpiece in our home. For several years I have used the Advent calendar, but this year, I added the advent centerpiece. It is quite an experience. We light it for our supper hour. We talk about "hope" which is the first candle that we light the fourth Sunday before Advent. This is a tradition that some Christians follow and it makes the Christmas season more special.

We light the candle for the supper hour each evening and it burns until supper is over. We will light two candles this coming Sunday and so on... The last candle is the white candle which represents Christ's birth which we will light on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Some people do not use the center candle, but will replace the four, 3 purple & 1 pink, with four white candles, but I prefer the one white candle in our observance. The idea is to celebrate the reason for the season and make Christmas a more spiritual time.

Also, I have been using the Back To The Bible, Advent scriptures. This is a good guide that is already made out with the appropriate scripture reading for the days of Advent.

A Poem To Share

When I was in grade school, probably the 6th or 7th grade, Robert Frost visited our teacher in our class room. I remember him as a white haired older man. I have always liked this poem that he wrote. It makes it more special because I have met him.


Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

poem by Robert Frost

Beautiful Snowy Day

I just love a beautiful snowy day! Today is perfect. The first big snow of the winter. It's just right.

When I was a girl my brother, Clarence, and I would make snow forts, igloo's and snow men. We had such fun! That was many, many years ago. Today, I enjoy watching and seeing my grand children's creations. But, deep down inside, I wish I could go back and make another snow fort or igloo with my brother. Those are memories that I cherish.



These are pictures that I took today of trees that I planted many years ago. We had to trim the bottom of the one by the mail box because it was too dangerous when backing out of our drive. I am glad we did not have to cut it down. It is still a beautiful tree especially with Snow on it.




Wouldn't it be great to have a beautiful snow like this at Christmas? There is just something calming and peaceful about a clean white snowfall. Well, we will enjoy it for today.

Have a wonderful day and enjoy the snow!

Lost is Found

Well, my lost camera case is found, only it wasn't lost at all. Have you ever looked for something so hard and it was right under your nose all the time? That's it, right where I put it, right where I could see it and for whatever reason, I just passed right by it. :)


These are picture that were taken Thanksgiving when Stephanie was in from Florida. Beth and Mike were just getting back from Kansas and stopped by to see her & Duane stopped by to tell her good-bye.

The Christmas Tree

I like my little Christmas tree that I found on the internet. The tree and my animals that I have down the left side of my blog are for the young and young at heart. I do hope you enjoy them.


Last night after church we stopped by Waynes. Wilma, Lauryn and I played Rummikub & Brooklyn was bouncing around like Pooh bears Tiger. :)

Today, I found this picture of the girls and Isaiah to share with you.

First Sunday of Advent

This is the first Sunday of Advent...

"Advent, Advent the little light burns,
First one, then two, then three, then four,
Then the Christ child at the door."

I do not know who wrote this poem or where it originated from, but I learned it a few years back and I liked it. By the way it is written, I would presume it was written to make it easy for a child to remember and get the significance of the ceremony.

Today, the first purple candle in the advent wreath is lit. Three purple candles and one pink candle is used in the wreath. The white candle is used in the center. One candle is lit each Sunday prior to Christmas when the white candle is lit. The symbolism does vary among different Christian groups but the purpose is the same and that is to prepare our hearts and minds for the remembrance of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Into The Christmas Season

Well,Dec 1, we are officially in the Christmas season. Today, I'm going to start decorating for Christmas. Merrill didn't use to like to have the Christmas tree up until after Thanksgiving. So, I would put it up while he was away hunting. For the last few years, David and I would put it up, but this year David entered the hunting arena. But, I decided to do things different this year anyway. I'm considering having a tree done by the Grandchildren and just using my ceramic tree upstairs.

We will be going to Kansas for Amy's RN nursing pinning and program in a little over a week. I just can't believe how time as gone by. She has worked so hard for this achievement. She has been an LPN this past year and loves nursing.


Today, Breanna and I had a tea party. She loves her tea parties. She'll say, "Grandma, I think we need to have a tea party!" What fun!:) She stayed with me last night and slept in Grandpa's spot. One of the first things she asked me this morning was when he would be back. (Grandpa loves his granddaughters and they love him.) Then, right after breakfast, it was time for a tea party, of course!