Blessed and Thankful

 The Fall temperature and colors have been late in coming - but the blessings of this season cause me to be completely and entirely thankful.

Our Grands are flourishing -- they have wonderful teachers and one is learning to thrive in a less than ideal classroom.  Our kids are busy with their lives giving back and aiming to make their community a better place.

Terry and I  tag-teamed it in one of his classes that is a favorite of mine to teach -- bridging poverty .Our years together working with Kids University and the Common Good have given us a window into the many difficulties that people in poverty are facing.  

Mind you, Fall has not been without its challenges - Terry's sciatic pain is through the roof - the car acted up-- challenges in teaching 6 classes for Terry - but in every instance God has been so faithful.  Terry has forged through like he has handled all of his health issues with faith and strength.  Dec. 8 he was given an epidural that helped relieve pain and enable him to enjoy the holidays.

Fall in Oklahoma brings OSU football for this family.  Marshall and Katie shared OSU tickets with Bethany and Mat as they all supported their favorite POKES. 

 The Bell Farm in Edmond has lots of deer and Marshall has set up deer feeders and a deer blind.  Clara woke up early on a Saturday morning and joined him with hot cocoa and lots of chatter.

Bethany has given a lot of time volunteering to assist at the HUB Community Outreach, campaign for a friend running for their local school board,  Run for Fun at the Kids school, and Aware - an Alzheimer's organization to help families in Oklahoma.

Thanksgiving was a lovely time together at Bethany & Mat's home.  Mat smoked a delicious turkey.

We all brought our favorite dishes.  Jim's brother, Tom and his partner, Randy joined us.

Christmas was a delightful time in Edmond and Tulsa.  Terry and I went over to babysit the 3 C/s while Marshall and Katie had a night out before the

festivities began. 

There were lots of gifts under the tree for these 3 -- however their favorite toy the whole 3 days was Pawpaw's walker!!!

Jim and Jan hosted a special Christmas Dinner at their Tulsa home.

Everyone had the best time!  Our Clan of 14 is loud and loving!

These two guys put together an 1800+ Lego set of the Coliseum that Jack received for Christmas.  The Coliseum was a favorite of Jack's on their Italy trip this summer.

SUMMER: BIRTHDAYS, KAMP AND VACATIONS

 Campbell Turns 12 & Nana Turns 72

Campbell and I get to celebrate our birthdays together most years before she heads off to camp.

Early birthday celebration in late May.

Celebrating with Marshall & Katie

KAMP KANAKUK - ALL 3 GOODS HAD A WONDERFUL CAMP EXPERIENCE

ONCE AGAIN, CAMPBELL CELEBRATES HER BIRTHDAY AT CAMP

SYDNEY AND CAMPBELL HAD TO TAKE COSTUMES FOR ALL THE SPECIAL THEME PARTIES

Sydney impressed us with all she had learned from her Bible lessons. She sent us the sweetest note from Camp

TERRY AND I JOINED MARSHALL, KATIE AND THE KIDS ON A TRIP TO SOUTH TEXAS - MATAGORDO BAY in late June.

They booked a veautiful VRBO.  I couldn't get enough sitting on the deck enjoying the sea breeze.

We had the best view

Pawpaw made his famous quesadillas

Katie got a great catch!

Marshall and Katie wanted to make this trip special for Father's day - taking Terry to Uncle Ed's former fishing camp and visiting relatives near Halletsville

ITALY OR BUST!!! MAT, BETHANY AND THE KIDS TAKE ITALY

Bethany's earliest travels with us always saw her packing her little bags early for whatever parts of the world we were going to.  When she and Mat began planning their trip 6-8 months ago, she planned to the utmost.  Their trip included staying at VRBO near historic sites which also had activities the kids could get involved in.  A food tour the first night to stay awake during jet lag --

bike rides, hikes, beach time and even a cooking class.  Pawpaw had sent links, taught them about various historical sites and followed their trip the whole time.

The day finally arrived and bags had been packed for days . . .

They were soooo excited to get out of Tulsa and on their way.

Security cleared . . . 

Finally landed and this gal fell asleep in the uber.

 Julius Ceasar was assasinated in 44 BC at this location

The kids had been prepped for all that they were about to see and experience.  

Jack impressed the tour guide with his knowledge of the coliseum.

Cooking class in Rome was an all-time favorite!

Jack Turns 8

Katie Turns 40

Marshall planned a birthday get-away for Katie, Shelly and Tom in Vegas so they could celebrate their 40th together.  He even  designed shirts with a photo of the three as young uns.

Meanwhile Pawpaw and I held the fort down in Edmond

We celebrated Mom's 40th with a water balloon fight.

Daylight lasted till well after bedtime -- so we had our light show upstairs.  

The kids made their own hot tub --

Calvin is becoming a fearless swimmer - as long as he has his floaties.

The kids love to play in the ditch and pop up on the othetr side.

I even had a chance to work in some sewing --

Calvin wanted to go somewhere every day and by Monday -- we knew it was time to lunch-out at Braums.