Our 40th Wedding Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to my Dear Husband, I love you. Time has gone by so fast. Six kids, fourteen grandkids, daughers-in-laws and sons-in-laws. Our family has just grown and grown. It has been a good life!






The 80's

The 60's

Now we're heading towards those golden years!

Happy Birthday Michael

Happy Birthday Michael! Wishing you blessings for your special day and the coming year !

Happy Birthday Merrill

Happy Birthday to my dear husband! Here's wishing you a blessed day and year to come.

Christmas Happeings...

Well, I need to find my camera, so I can take pictures. Don't you just hate it when you put something up for safe keeping and it's lost? :)

This year I put up a white tree. It was a little inexpensive tree that didn't take long to put up or decorate. Yeah! At first, I wasn't sure that I really liked it, but it's growing on me. I guess the thought crossed my mind that it looks so pure and white. My lights are multicolored and the decorations are multicolored. I'll try to get a picture soon!

Last night, I went bloggin', well actually blog reading. I do this every now and then. I went from one site to another visiting people that I know and lots that I did not know. Reading lots of blogs of family fun and love for husbands, wives and families. Lots of blogs that show their love for God. It is so neat to see what's going on in peoples lives.

For sure, the news media doesn't get it. There are people in this world that love God, family and their country and live good Godly lives. Blogging is fun! I know that I can't be the only one who does this. I know it's not something that one can spend a lot of time doing, but just every once in a while for pure joy and encouragement... go blog reading or bloggin'. Who knows, I may have been on your blog.

Have a blessed day!

Christmas Lights

This morning when I plugged in my Christmas lights, the first thought that I had was that... the light of the world is Jesus.

Don't you just love God's given thoughts? I think that He leads and guides our thought processes if we let Him. We always know His thoughts because they are according to His word, the Bible.



The scripture, John 8:12, "Then spake Jesus unto them saying, "I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

This morning, I want to share this song that I've been singing since I turned on the tree lights.

The Light of the World is Jesus
Words and music by Philip Bliss

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin;
The Light of the world is Jesus;
Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus.


chorus:
Come to the Light, 'tis shining for thee!
Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see;
The Light of the world is Jesus.


No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus;
We walk in the Light when we follow our Guide;
Light of the world is Jesus.(chorus)

Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes;
The Light of the world is Jesus;
Go wash at His bidding and light will arise;
The Light of the world is Jesus.(chorus)

No need of the sunlight in heaven, we're told;
The Light of the world is Jesus;
The Lamb is the Light in the City of Gold;
The Light of the world is Jesus.(chorus)

Christmas Friendly Shopping ...

I thought I'd provide you with this little bit of information. If you will go to Dr. Dobson's web site Focus On The Family there is a list of stores that are Christmas friendly retailers. (it is on the revolving list to the left) There is also a list of Holiday shopping stores that are not acknowledging Christmas.

Keep Christ in Christmas because Jesus is the reason for the season! Let these stores know that you are pleased that they are celebrating Christmas. For myself, I'm avoiding the Holiday pushing stores, but that's the way I feel. It takes action to make a change!

Merry Christmas and have a good evening!

A Baking Day ...

Today was a baking day. I was in the mood to do some baking so I baked spice cupcakes. I froze a dozen and fixed up three bags to give away. I am going to ice them with cream cheese icing before I hand them out. I also baked and stuffed 8 baked potatoes and froze them, but of course, I had to take out two halves and eat them with my supper. :)

What got me in this notion? Amy, has been freezing her monthly meals. Amy and Kinsey spent 3 hr. Sat. preparing the months food. They had fun, saved money and will have a delicious meal everyday. This way Amy can make sure her family has a good supper while she is at work... "Amy, I know you will read this, I am so proud of you! Kinsey, I hear that you are becoming a good cook. Way-To-Go girl!"

"Beth, I know that you will read this too, I'm also proud of your food storage preparation. You spent many hours great with child canning this summer so that you could provide delicious meals for your family." ... Her sister in law Heather gave her a good bread recipe that she makes a lot, also.

Isn't it neat, kind of a neat generation thing... handed down from many past grandmas to present. I know that both my girls enjoy cooking and making things. I was trying to remember their first cooking project... I think it was cookies. Their first sewing project was a bag to carry things in.

Hopefully, they won't be too embarrassed from Mom getting kinda off subject and going down memory lane!

Anyway, I think that it is always good to know how to cook, sew and even make crafts. Times change and being able to do things for yourself is an asset. I'd love to see all young girls learn these things. But, sadly so many don't even know where to begin.

The Third Sunday of Advent

A pink or rose colored candle is used on the third Sunday of Advent and it symbolizes Joy for the coming of Christ. We light this candle to thank God for His Son our Savior who brings us great joy. (We will have the first three of the Advent candles lit today.)

There is truly joy in knowing Christ as Lord and Savior.

Happy 62nd Anniversary Dad & Mom

Happy 62nd Anniversary Dad & Mom! I know they've been great years for you. It is still fun to watch a couple in their golden years have so much love to give.

I am so thankful for such a great dad and mom. They are such a joy to know and be around. They are truly loving and giving parents. I know that I 'm prejudiced, but they are not hard to honor. I think of the scripture, "Honor thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee," Deuteronomy 5:16.

Thanks Mom and Dad for loving each other and setting the example for the family to follow. May you have many more happy years together!

Victory Over The Cat ...

I won and now have victory over the cat! Last night we had a show down. The cat would sit where she could see me and the back door. She did not take the food challenge, so the big tom cat got the food. But, knowing that she was sitting and watching, I opened the kitchen door and then I walked over to the refrigerator where I keep a stash of candy on a stand next to it and when I went back to close the door the cat had gone. I haven't seen or heard her for about 12 hrs. so I'm celebrating that this was a victorious maneuver.


The moral to the story is ... don't go into someone's house unless you are invited. I hope the cats have learned this lesson. Myself, I am probably going to have to feed them farther away from the house. Usually, they eat with Zeus our dog, but I had been feeding them on the back porch.


We all have our challenges. They may not be cats or other animals, but they may be jobs, people or just things in general. Our challenges may not be big, they may be small, but they're there anyway. Finding solutions to our problems is one way we learn to overcome. Sometimes, the bigger problems take much more help and that is when we turn them over to God. He is the only help and guide for the bigger challenges in life. Now, I'm on to a few bigger and more important challenges than cats, but I know who the great problem solver is and I know that He will be there to help me with all that life brings. Things don't always go the way that I want them to, but God knows best, and that is my part, to accept His answers.



Have a great day!

A Barn Cat Saga ...

I have a barn cat saga to tell you about today...


This is a true ongoing story that hopefully will end soon. This crazy cat has been in my house for about 3 days. I have tried everything to get it out, but the thing is faster than lightening.

When I had company earlier this week, the cat must have slipped in with them. In fact, I started out with two barn cats. The one was a huge male, but he liked the food idea and I was able to get him out. This one couldn't be bribed with food. I've put food by the opened back door and she would not have anything to do with it. But, the crazy cat was looking for food. A couple of days ago, I left a partial loaf of bread on top of the refrigerator. I usually keep it in the freezer since Merrill and I don't eat it very fast. Well, when I went to fix bacon, eggs and toast... the cat had been on top of the refrigerator and ate a big part of it. I was fortunate to have had frozen bread to fix, but I wasn't happy about a cat on my frig. I think that if I'd gone in the kitchen in the middle of the night and a cat jumped from my frig, I probably would have had a heart attack, but luckily that didn't happen. Although, this was a middle of the night theft!

I know the cat is getting hungry because she is starting to stay closer to the kitchen. But, if I start towards her, off she goes. I have to keep doors closed so I don't have to deal with her in the bed or bath room. I've tried the food by the kitchen door trick daily, but soon, it has to work.

Well, so much for my saga today!

Happy Birthday Duane

Happy Birthday Duane! Wishing you blessings for your special day !

Busy Time Of Year...

It is certainly a busy time of year... but we just love it... don't we!?! It seems like we just go, go, go through the months of November and December celebrating two of the most wonder holidays and remembrances of the year and then we are ready for a little winter rest before spring. Personally, I wouldn't want it any other way!

Today, I baked pumpkin bread. I think this is the third time that I've baked it in a month. It goes fast and well. I had two loaves baked and gave them to some hunters who needed a treat. My sons, grandson and some friends, so I needed to replenish the pantry. :)

Yesterday, I watched some of my grandsons. We went over to Beth's to visit and Carson and Isaiah had a great time playing. After I got Ryan and Brandon, we went back over to Beth's and they enjoyed holding baby Sophia. They had such cute little loving grins on their faces. Grand kids are wonderful!

Happy Birthday Lauryn

Happy Birthday Lauryn! Wishing you blessings for your special day!

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season ...

Can you believe that we're 8 days into December? We're just starting our Christmas celebrations with many more to come.

A lot of us have our trees up and probably have a big dent in our Christmas shopping. I think gift giving is where the fun, enjoyment and love at Christmas shows. We give because we love and it's an example of God's gift of love to us by sending Jesus as our Savior.

The world just thinks of materialism and buying, buying and buying more things. They celebrate a holiday, but what is it? I don't celebrate a holiday, I celebrate Christmas. There is a reason for my buying the gifts that I buy and it is called love.

The Second Sunday Of Advent...

The second Sunday of Advent we light the second purple candle which represents love. (We will have both the first & second Advent candles lit today.) We light this candle to thank God for His love in sending Jesus Christ our Savior.

I think of John 3:16 kjv, " 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."

Sleigh Ride ...

Wouldn't you love to take a sleigh ride? I would. I've always loved that old Christmas song, Jingle Bells, about the sleigh bells, one horse sleigh, laughing, fun and all that goes with it. Check it out...

Jingle Bells

Dashing through the snow

In a one horse open sleigh

O'er the fields we go

Laughing all the way

Bells on bob tails ring

Making spirits bright

What fun it is to laugh and sing

A sleighing song tonight.



Oh, jingle bells,

jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh

Jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh.



A day or two ago

I thought I'd take a ride

And soon Miss Fanny Bright

Was seated by my side

The horse was lean and lank

Misfortune seemed his lot

We got into a drifted bank

And then we got upsot.



Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh

Jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh yeah.



Jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh

Jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh.

-James Lord Pierpont 1857
originally as "One Horse Open Sleigh"


Christmas is my most favorite time of year. I love to celebrate with family and friends the remembrance of our Saviours birth. We're fortunate to have several Christmas get-to-gethers this month. I just love it!

(Note: Sorry that the song is double spaced, for some reason I couldn't get it single spaced. Just one of those things! :) )

Winter Wonderland ...

Wouldn't you love to take a sleigh ride in a Winter Wonderland? I would. I've always loved that old song about the Winter Wonderland and the sleigh bells, one horse sleigh and all that goes with it. Check it out...

Winter Wonderland

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,

In the lane, snow is glistening

A beautiful sight,

We're happy tonight.

Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,

Here to stay is a new bird

He sings a love song,

as we go along,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,

Then pretend that he is Parson Brown

He'll say: Are you married?

We'll say: No man,

But you can do the job when you're in town.

Later on, we'll conspire,

As we dream by the fire

To face unafraid,

The plans that we've made,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,

And pretend that he's a circus clown

We'll have lots of fun

with mister snowman,

Until the other kids knock him down.

When it snows, ain't it thrilling,

Though your nose gets a chilling

We'll frolic and play,

the Eskimo way,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

- Dick Smith, Felix Bernard 1934

I do hope that you enjoyed reading the words to this old song. It brings back many memories of all the snowy past winters. It's always fun to go down memory lane!

The First Sunday of Advent

This is the first Sunday of Advent...

Today, we light the first purple candle which represents hope. We light this candle to represent the hope of the world which is Jesus Christ.

"Advent, Advent the little light burns,

First one, then two, then three, then four,

Then the Christ child at the door."

-unknown

Today, the first purple candle in the advent wreath is lit. Three purple candles and one pink candle are used in the wreath. The white candle can be used in the center and lit Christmas day to represent the Christ child. The purpose is to prepare our hearts and minds for the remembrance of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving Dinners

We had a great Thanksgiving Day. First, we had dinner at my parents with my brothers and sister and an some of my nephews and an uncle. We each have our same dish that we bring each year to the dinner. . . our specialities!

In the evening our children and grandchildren were here for Thanksgiving supper. Of course, they each brought a dish and we had another great meal.

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

Come, ye thankful people, come;

Raise the song of Harvest-home.

All be safely gathered in

Ere the winter storms begin;

God, our Maker, doth provide

For our wants to be supplied,

Come to God's own temple, come;

Raise the song of Harvest-home.

All the world is God's own field,

Fruit unto His praise to yield;

Wheat and tares together sown,

Unto joy or sorrow grown;

First the blade and then the ear,

Then the full corn shall appear.

Lord of harvest, grant that we

Wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord, our God, shall come

And shall take His harvest home;

From His field shall in that day

All offences purge away;

Give His angels charge at last

In the fire the tares to cast,

But the fruitful ears to store

In His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come

To Thy final Harvest-home;

Gather Thou Thy people in,

Free from sorrow, free from sin,

There, forever purified,

In Thy garner to abide.

Come with all Thine angels, come,

Raise the glorious Harvest-home.

Happy Birthday Dad

Happy Birthday Dad

83 Yrs. Young

It is such a blessing to have such a wonderful dad. He is so much fun to be around. I love his youthful attitude. He turns his 83 yrs around to 38 yrs. I wish him many more years!

New Baby Granddaughter

Sophia Lynnette

November 6, 2008

This makes us a total of 14 grandchildren. This is the 5th granddaughter.

I had so much fun watching Isaiah while Beth was in the hospital. The little old grandma and a two yr old makes a great match! We had lots of fun and memorable times!

Some that I'm Thankful For...

Today's blog entries are for some of the things that I'm thankful for. Most people have the things that mean a lot to them and at this time of year we remember those special things.

Think on this little verse that we often sing...

I have a roof up above me

and a good place to sleep

there is food on my table

and shoes on my feet,

you gave me your love Lord,

and a fine family,

Thank you Lord for your blessings on me.

Thanksgiving Blessings for 2008

We Gather Together To Ask The Lord's Blessings

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessings;
He chastens and hastens his will to make known;
the wicked oppressing now cease from distressing
sing raise to his Name, he forgets not his own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine;
so from the beginning the fight we were winning:
thou, Lord, wast at our side: all glory be thine!

We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant,
and pray that thou still our defender wilt be.
Let thy congregation escape tribulation:
thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

Words: Nederlandtsche Gedenckclanck, 1626
Translation: Theodore Baker 1894

Pray For America...

Today, I'm thinking about how important it is to pray for America. I want to encourage you to find a prayer group to pray with, or start one if you haven't already. God hears and answers prayer!

Actual Vacation Bear Pictures..

These are Betty's actual bear pictures. This mama bear was big. They can really be cantankerous, just ask my son Stephen. He did have a bear take out after him years ago. Steve can m-o-v-e! lol!

Thanks for the pictures Betty!

A True Bear Story...

Well, I'll try not to be too embellishing on this story...

When we went to Gatlinburg, Tenn last week with our good friends Betty and Jim Jewett, we decided one morning to get up at the crack of dawn, really before, and go to Cades Cove. We reached Cades Cove before it opened. I was sleeping, but about the time we stopped, I looked over to my right and saw a bear by the road, so I excitedly say bear, then I look to the front and a mother and two baby bear are going into the woods and we all say bear. That was our first bear sighting. (The keep telling me I was sleeping and really didn't see the bear by my door...but, I tell you, I did!)

The big bear story took place later, closer to the middle of our journey through Cades Cove. When you see lots of cars stopped and lots of people out of their vehicles, something big is up. Well, this something big was a big bear and cub. There were lots of people out and lots of people trying to get close to this bear. If you know bears, they don't like to feel threatened! This bear just kept keeping an eye on the people while she sat there with her cub.

Well, Betty is trying to get close to get a picture and Merrill is trying to get close just to get close. This bear just keeps looking around to check out the people... probably, sizing up his meals. I hurt my leg, so I can't run fast and I just started hobbling out of the woods. I'm thinking... if that bear decides to charge can my husband, even as big as he is, fight it off ...or can Betty run fast enough to beat the bear! Of course, Merrill said, "I had to be just fast enough to beat Betty or the other people!" Well, the bear didn't get up while we were there, she just kept looking around frequently. We didn't hear about anyone getting attacked so I assume the bear wasn't hungry! How's that for a true to life bear story?

We've gone to Gatlinburg for years and probably haven't seen a half dozen bear. This trip, I saw six and they saw five. No, I wasn't dreaming!

Note: The bear picture here is not from our trip, but it is like the bears we saw.

Good To Be Back...

Well, it's good to be back. I've been busy, busy, busy... probably just like everyone else. It just seems like we're always on the go. Merrill and I went to the Farm Science Review the third week of Sept. I had a family reunion in Ky the last week end of Sept. I didn't stay until Sun., but came back for our church picnic. Then we went to Gatlinburg, Tenn. with some good friends Betty & Jim Jewett. And, then I got bronchitis the day after we got back home and I have been pretty much laid up for several days.

I haven't done any bloggin', so I guess you'd say that I've had a vacation from bloggin'. I have kept up with the election and a lot of what's going, but I'm ready to vote. Thursday, Sarah Palin will be in the area and I plan to go see her. That will be exciting!

Merrill has been working on the church ministries building. He has had lots of help for which he is very grateful. They are coming along real good. They are closing it in this week and the windows should be in next week. He was able to get the septic in and the catch basin close to schedule. It rained a little, but not enough to hamper his work. I know he is relieved about getting that done, just as he will be relieved to see the brick on the building. Weather can cause lots of problems for building projects. We're very thankful for the Lords blessings on us!

Well, that's just about it for catch up time!

Happy Birthday Caden. Hope you have a great Birthday. Sorry Grandpa and Grandma can't be with you. We love you very much.

Fall Is Here...

Fall is here. The schools are back in session, the crops harvesting has started and the leaves are starting to change. The gardens have pretty much quit for the season. But, I still have some tomatoes to harvest.

Today, Beth and I picked apples and pears, so we still have canning to do, but they're not a big rush like some things have been. We picked the tomatoes for Beth to can. We are alternating the pickings. She is getting great with child and can't hardly bend over, so she needed to take this picking. :) She wants to get her canning done. She's due Nov. 12, so it won't be long until she has her baby girl.

Last Thursday morning, I left for Ky for my yearly family reunion. I spent three restful days in the beautiful hills. My parents bought my grandmothers house several years ago and have added many nice improvements to it.It is their vacation home and they go down several times a year. It is a great get-a-way. It was nice to get to help mom and dad get ready for the reunion farther up in the hills. I mean... up a single lane road that was quite steep at times back into the hills, surrounded by trees and nature. There are very few houses in the area. Anyway, it is a beautiful drive esp. with the trees just starting to turn.

After my reunion I left around 2 o'clock to head back to Franklin, Oh. for our yearly fall church picnic and youth auction. So, Saturday was one full day. I was ready for my Sunday, day of rest.
I got home this morning. My dog and cats were very glad to see me.

So, that's how last week went. We'll see what adventures this week holds. Hopefully, pleasant ones! :)

Turn Everything Over To God...

Isn't God wonderful! We can turn everything over to God and He takes care of it! God is the healer of broken hearts and bodies, a comforter in time of trouble, our friend and Saviour as well as our Lord. I am so glad that I know the Lord of Lord and King of Kings!

This past week has been one busy, busy up and down week. I was looking in my blog draft folder which contained five unfinished blog entries. Usually my blog entry will only need a picture and I will let it sit until I find the time to look one up. I think, I've confessed this problem before. I finish them and will post several at one time. Well, my solution this time is to put up one and omit the last four.

I will share a little bit about some of the things that have happened. Those of you that are close to us, know that a couple of our sons had a four wheeler accident while hunting in Colorado. This was Friday, a week ago. Steve had a head injury and had to have 25 staples, and Paul had a shoulder injury and they both were sore from the accident. The Lord took care of them and they are both doing better. Praise the Lord!

Last Sunday, the big wind storm blew through and our area had many trees and limbs down. There were great power outages for many days. There are still around 34,000 homes without electricity. We were fortunate because our electric was only about about 6 hr. last Sunday. Three of my children and my parents had their electric out for several days. My parents were cozy in their home running a generator to keep the freezer and refrigerator going. I ate with them one day and I don't think they skipped a beat... it was almost business as usual just a little less food. They are older and know how to survive in hard times. Probably, most of the people that we know were worried about their freezers.

On Tuesday, Merrill and I went to the Farm Science Review around Columbus. We have gone so many years. I love to go to the cooking displays. They always have so many neat things that they cook and it is fun to sample what they fix. Then I usually hang around the gardens and listen to their talks. Merrill goes equipment browsing and he usually finds old friends to talk to at the displays. We both usually walk until we're ready to drop.

I had one neat experience in the display gardens. I was talking to this older gentleman. We'll being that I'm the age I am... he may not have been that much older! Funny... I don't know how I got here!:) Anyway, we were discussing the vegetable and flower displays and some of the plants. We talked awhile about some of the large tomatoes and some of the unusual plants and flowers. Then he made a remark that kinda got my attention... he said that the Farm Science Review was one of America's best shows. So, I got brave, and asked him if he was from England because he has a beautiful English accent. He is from England and he is a scientist. Wow! Sometimes, you never know who you're talking to.

So, you can see there were several things that happened. One thing that I know for sure, God is there for the good and the bad times. I remember the great lady Mary Crowley who founded Home Interiors. She had such a positive upbeat outlook on life. She loved the Lord and always had such neat sayings. I think I'll close with one of her sayings.

"Every evening I turn everything over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway."
-Mary Crowley

God Bless and Have a Good Night!

Praying For America...

I'm often reminded of this verse. We need to daily pray for our land especially in these troubled times. We are facing an important election year. There are so many promises floating around that people often get confused. It is always good to look at what the person has stood for in the past and what he/she is saying now. That's is usually what you've got.

"If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

This one thing I know, God answers prayer and He will do what He says. But, we must do our part in prayer and in actions. Our goal for our country is for the continued freedom to live and worship freely. Our personal goals are to live pleasing lives for God so that He will heal our land. I'm often reminded of an old song...

There's more with us than be with them

We're on the winning side.

With banners unfurreled

We'll tell the whole world

That Jesus is captain and guide.

There's none to fear when He is near

Though fierce the conflict may be.

We'll never give in the fight against sin

With Christ there's victory.

God Bless America!

Congratulations Ryan...

Congratulations Ryan, "Student of the week"! You are worthy of being chosen for this honor.

9/11 Memories...

9/11 memories are not pleasant memories. I remember my daughter in law calling to tell me to turn on the news that a building had been hit by a plane in NY. While I was listening to the news, they said another building had been hit. It was scary, sad times for America.

That is why we should always pray for our country and it's servicemen who are working to keep us safe. I'm so glad that President Bush does such a good job keeping us safe. He is a good respectable Commander In Chief. (I think America is getting tired of the liberal Democratic controlled drive by media that doesn't like our President, our country, Christians and big business as well as the McCain - Palin ticket.) Pray for these people and our country, that God will keep them safe. Pray for the families of the people that died on 9/11 whose lives were changed forever.

How Time Flies...

My husband and I were talking last night about how time flies... We will be married 40 yrs. in December. In some ways it seems like forever, and in other ways, what happened to all those years.

This is my guy, when he's not working & running his equipment, he's talking on the phone... my... first dude!

I thought the following verse was cute and relevant...

How To Preserve a Husband

Some insist on keeping them in a pickle,

while others are constantly keeping them in hot

water. Even the poor varieties can be made

sweet and tender by garnishing with patience;

will sweetened with smiles and flavored with

kisses. Wrap well in a mantle of charity and keep

warm with a steady fire of devotion. Thus

prepared, they'll keep for years.

-author unknown

Getting Lots of Rest...

This has been a nice Sunday in which Merrill & I are getting lots of rest! We've both spent a lot of time sleeping and getting revived for another week. This past week was so packed for both of us and we were ready for a good rest!. We got it!

Think on this...

Write your plans in pencil...
And give God the eraser.

If you are like me, you'll make a schedule, but it is not set in stone. Things come up, sometimes they are more pressing or urgent, than your original plans. That is why we always need to make sure that our plans are Gods plans. He wants our lives to run smoothly and honor Him. He even cares about the little things in life.

God Bless & Have a Good Day!

Looking Through Pictures...

I was looking through pictures and found an old picture of Paul and a picture of his little guy, Carson, taken around Easter. I think they look a lot alike. Part of the fun of having pictures is being able to compare parents with their children.

The picture to the left is of me holding Paul. He was probably around 18 mo.

Another thing, I notice that we still had our old blue Ford. Merrill traded in his GTO just before we got married and bought this car new. He wishes he had his GTO back a million times over. If we could find an old one, I'm sure we would buy it. I couldn't locate a picture of his GTO, but I'll keep searching and share it at some time in the future.

This winter, for sure, I need to get some pictures refiled. It is getting harder and harder to find what I need. I've kind of let down on my picture taking and that's not good for family history. Pictures are important.:)

Slowing Down...

Yeah, things are slowing down...

I've been able to work on my sewing room and my closet. I have a whole wardrobe, I just need the body to go with it. Bodies are like age, you just kinda wonder how you got there and how it happened so fast! Probably, something that needs to be worked on! :)

My husbands been busy working at our church. We are building a new multi-purpose/ ministry building. The guys have been working really hard to get the ground work done for the buildings erection in October. They got the footers in this week, so they are coming right along.

He's had some ups and downs with some of the equipment, but he keeps plugging along. He loves to work with his equipment. A "big" boy with his "big" ground working toys. He still likes to play/work in dirt!

Run, Run, Run...

Well, it's just been one of those run, run, run days. So much to do and seemingly, never ending. In fact, it's weeks like this that make you really appreciate a restful Sunday! I know that you probably feel like this sometimes, too.

One thing for sure, I am so thankful for the rain. Hopefully, the tomatoes will start coming on a little better. It seems like there are not as many as last year, and when it doesn't rain, it seems to effect the taste. Anyway, it's time to put up tomatoes. I took a box of tomatoes over to Beth after I went to the awards program for Lauryn this morning.

Steve & Wayne and a friend left for Colorado today. Monday, Paul will be flying to Washington State for a meeting and then join them for their elk hunting trip. Hopefully, they will be successful and get one or more big ones. It's just an exciting time for them!

Congratulations Lauryn...

Congratulations Lauryn, "Student of The Week!"

Today, was Lauryn's special day for her class at school. She is very deserving of this honor.