Jan's Jots and Thoughts . . .

2012-02-05T21:57:00.002-06:00

It was an easy decision a couple of weeks ago, to take this weekend off, and head up to Kansas City, since none of us really got to spend much quality time together during the Christmas Flu Scourge. We mentioned to the kids we'd like to give them a whole 24 hours away -- to which they gladly accepted and started making plans. We hurried to get there Friday night before Campbell went to bed so we could enjoy some quality time with her and stretch out our visit as much as we could. She had been waiting at the door for 10 minutes in her green rain boots and been looking for her beloved "Pappa" all day long.

She puts everything into sentences and chatters non-stop, sings her favorite songs and dances up a storm. In fact "Dance Party with Daddy" is a major hit of the day we discovered.

I have learned I take second place to Pappa. I walk into a room without him and she looks at me and emphatically asks, "Where's Pappa?" All of us in the family have come to accept the fact that next to him, we're all chopped liver.

Don't get me wrong, I had my sweet times with C, too -- she loves to cuddle after a nap on my lap with all her bed buddies, and two blankies . This morning she came in the bathroom, pulled back the curtain plopped in the dry tub, threw in her toys and played while we chatted and sang for the longest time.

She knew she was with two doting g.p's (grandparents) so she sort of taught us the ropes -- she doesn't like to have to sit in her high chair to eat a meal -- And She loves the dining room table top -- it's a great view

and when she can sneak it in, she pushes buttons on the tv and plops down to watch She'd love to do it ANY time she chooses BUT (Mommy has limits of only a very short time of Dora once a day after nap) --


"Dora Time"

An especially sweet time for me was sitting with her at her little table yesterday after her nap snacking on an apple and singing to her. She looked up at me with this beautiful little face and sung back this precious little song in syllables I couldn't understand and a tune I didn't know but a perfect little melody -- It was the song of an angel!!!

2012-01-29T08:59:00.000-06:00

I came across this reading through the notes on my iphone. I don't know where I read it -- but I want to pass it on,

'Just give me Jesus and the light from HIM gets me home.

Too Good to Miss . . . .

2012-01-29T07:31:00.004-06:00

Campbell now has a new bedroom because her's became too drafty this winter. This weekend they finished the move as her Daddy got her bed set up.

My Favorites from the Week

2012-01-27T20:04:00.006-06:00

"Whew! I thought I'd never get outside -- I can't believe Mom was insisting I put my shoes on first -
After 15 minutes--she won"

A Facebook status I read by Angela Murray, "I wish Heaven weren't so far away -- I'd love to take the kids and go for the day!"

A Youtube link that one of my YA gals shared with us yesterday by Eric Ludy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWHJ6-YhSYQ It redefined my mission for the coming months and years!

Something I found in my morning e-mail a few days ago from Women of Faith that spoke to my heart in this stage of life --I'm putting it here on my blog to remember (and so I won't lose it :-)

Finding Perspective
by Dale Hanson Bourke
Here’s what I am learning: God wants us to spend the second halves of our lives worrying less about what we do and more about who we become. He wants to turn our lives upside down and use us in magnificent, unexpected, world-changing ways.

He is calling us to step up to the challenge and to leave the past behind.
God is calling you to build spiritual muscle, to develop a resume of soul work, to find peace and joy like you have never known. God wants to take you on an adventure unlike anything you have ever dreamed.
A second calling isn’t about something you do but about someone you become, it is the belief that the best is yet to come, and it will probably look very different than anything that has come before. It is faith that God’s call is not just for the young but for the faithful. It is the confidence that what we can do through God is more than we can imagine accomplishing on our own. Your second calling doesn’t necessarily build your resume, but it builds your soul.

Shopping is so much more fun if Mom lets me stand in the cart and flash my gorgeous smile at everybody!

Can't wait to give the kids some time away and keep this little shopper -- don't think we'll brave Target, though.

My Man

2012-01-20T20:16:00.008-06:00

One of my students, an office aide, walked in grinning during the last class period today with a beautiful plant from my hubby -- I was caught off guard -- totally surprised. Terry drove all the way up to Owasso to deliver it himself to my school. He'd already left a couple of gifts in my car last night that I found this am.

Reading the card I explained to my students that today was our 39th anniversary - they uttered such phrases "uh that's a long time" or "39 years??" -- twice their age -- you could tell they wondered how or why people stay together that long when their dating relationships last only 6-10 months at best.

One word -- G R A C E --

or maybe that word is . . .

R E S P E C T --

or --

U N S E L F I S H N E S S

or --

A C C E P T A N C E

or --

K I N D N E S S -- or ---

Anyway, my man exemplifies all of those. He's the one who gives me the benefit of the doubt -- who excuses away my crankiness -- or unpredictability. He looks out for what I'm going to need next -- and does the little things -- that go a long way. He's the one who believes I can do anything -- and encourages me to do so.

He's the one who comes up with the most unusual gift ideas -- like the time he went to a recording studio and recorded our favorite song for our anniversary one year. He makes me videos for special occasions -- and creates the most wonderful anniversary celebrations when it's his year to do the planning.

When he shops for gifts, he always buys something I wouldn't dare buy for myself -- but I end up liking ever so much.

He puts my needs ahead of his own and works so very hard -- despite the discomfort from his rheumatoid -- to make sure that I am well taken care of.

Wedding Day 1-20-73

Terry Bell -- you're God's answer.

Too Good to Pass Up -- Is She Good or What???

2012-01-16T21:07:00.000-06:00

OK, OK I know I posted all kinds of Campbell pics yesterday but this one was too good to miss!

My Recent Fav's from KC

2012-01-15T18:52:00.005-06:00

We love our daily Campbell Updates. I txt'd Mat yesterday after he sent a cute video and said I was going to miss these little video updates when they moved here and then remembered -- Oh, wait -- we'll have her with us!!

Shopping with momma is hard work!


If I hide in here long enough, I might not have to take a nap

The Trip . . . Going Home

2012-01-15T07:55:00.020-06:00

We went back to my hometown yesterday to a surprise 40th anniversary party for my life-long friend, Charlene Bandy and her husband Larry. I say life-long because we were friends before we knew how to be friends since my parents moved next door to her family when I was two years old. Charlene is the one who really "got it" with how to be a friend. She's the one who remembers all the special days with a card, she's the one who kept up with our high school friends even 40+ years later. She's the one who makes the calls first on special days. She is one special friend! And SHE'S the one who makes special times for other people.

But yesterday was HER special day so Terry and I drove to St. Louis to surprise her. When we walked in the room, she shouted at the top of her lungs, "Jannie's here" -- her kids and husband came over and excited to see us as well. Terry said, it was worth the whole trip to hear Charlene shout that one phrase! It was HER party but she made a fuss about ME.

We couldn't stay long --and as we were heading back to Tulsa, I got all teary thinking about how she loudly yelled my name as I walked through the door. I found myself thinking . . .
that's how it's going to be when we get to Heaven. It's HIS party, but I think that Jesus and all our loved ones are going to yell our names and make a big hoopla when we arrive!" It's HIS party -- but the fuss will be about US. . . We're gonna KNOW the trip was worth it!!!

A Special Thank You to My Sweet Hubby for this Video Presentation For Today's Communion Meditation

2012-01-15T06:30:00.003-06:00

Twas the Night Before Christmas and Through the Bell House

2011-12-27T14:25:00.074-06:00

Here we are pre-Christmas Eve Scourge!

The guests were dropping like flies
with the Stomach but "Louse"

The gourmet meals were quickly replaced
With soda crackers, broth and gatorade.
While throughout the brightly lit rooms
Sprawled on couches all my company laid.

In a stupor they watched the games on tv
And packages were abandoned under the tree.

I had been dreaming and planning for the Perfect Christmas. You know, the ones on the Hallmark cards--- All my loved ones were coming HERE for Christmas --- the first time we would be together in Tulsa on Christmas Day since about 2004!!!
Bethany, her mother-in-law, Jan and I had coordinated our meals -- Jan had sent her favorite recipes ahead so we could have ingredients on hand -- it was going to be a culinary feast all weekend!!!! I had shopped for just the right brisket -- Jan had sent a wonderful ham and carrot cake and there was Terry and Bethany's traditional fudge pecan pie to prepare and cranberry chutney chilling in the fridge --

Terry had perfected his sermons for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day -- we had prayed over the entire weekend.

THEN IT HIT --
First Terry, -- having to leave the very BRIEF Christmas eve service and in about 30 minutes me -- I begged off dinner and asked Bethany to carry the ball to keep our Christmas Eve dinner going while I went to bed --

Marshall and Bethany brought us trash cans, wet rags, tonic water and pepto bismol -- Mat's parents came down with it in their hotel about 4 hours later and Marshall 2 hours after that and Katie soon after. Everyone said they didn't remember when they'd been so sick.

Our kids set a place for us since we couldn't get out of bed

BUMMER FOR BETHANY, MAT AND CAMPBELL -- this Christmas was going to be the BIG ONE for Campbell Hope!

BUT --
We all know each other a little better now and are sharing war stories of who was sickest. We don't have many pictures to post of our holiday, past Saturday morning when we all went to the Philbrook for our Big ORANGE Holiday photo session.

Every time Katie comes to Tulsa something major happens. In August it was 100+ days, In November it was earthquakes and this holiday we shared the "bug" with her!

Hmmm . . .
how many times had I said on Friday, "I don't want you all to feel stuffed this holiday -- the meals are prepared for us to simply enjoy -- but don't make yourself miserable with all the eating!"

... Wonder why at the last minute before everyone arrived on Friday I had Terry scrub out all the trash cans with bleach.

FINALLY, last night we were able to make it to the table again -- our first time since Friday night to enjoy Marshall's wonderful smoked brisket.

Our beautiful photographer doubled as our hostess for this holiday

YET . . .

I am very thankful --
that we all got 3 1/2 days together -- taking care of each other -- giving each other grace.
That we're all on the mend.

That we got to enjoy our Campbell Hope.

That 3 of us stayed well -- that Campbell didn't have a relapse.

That all seven are already home safe.

Thankful for the cherished gifts -- that our kids sacrificed and saved for:
that wonderful all-guy-fishing trip for Terry late next summer
my much needed cutlery and wonderful new gourmet stock pot
lots of fun stocking stuffer.

This holiday there was lots of grace given and love shared as we wiped each others heads and passed the broth and gatorade.

We prayed for a different holiday -- this is what we were given and I believe HE knew what HE was doing. Today as I'm regaining some of my strength and washing up all the bedding -- I am tempted to wish for more -- but then I was reminded in a very powerful way--

For one of my friends -- she was told this would be her last Christmas. It all took on a new perspective.

Christmas Confessions

2011-12-18T16:41:00.002-06:00

Terry and I have decided we aren't buying for each other this year -- except for a back up camera for our new car. Terry insisted that it is a MUST (After the incident when I all but ran over him when he was checking the mail and I was backing our car out of the garage headed somewhere nearly clipping him. He asked did I see him -- truth was I didn't check--- AND it didn't help that there was a news article about a woman in town a couple of weeks ago who ran her husband over and said she thought she had hit the rake and kept on backing. . . . hmmm wonder if they're still together this Christmas?)
ANYWAY -- the back up video camera made it to the top of our Christmas list.
We both have done a little of our own Christmas shopping though -- I got him a couple of things -- he got himself a new shirt he wanted and I checked off my new Black Friday bargain watch I got on as my Christmas and a darling little girl chair at the antique store that was a REAL STEAL -- yep, called that my Christmas, too!!!

THEN, the other day I decided I'd also buy me a couple of new songs on itunes since my old downloads have worn a permanent groove in the right side of my brain.
I found a great new song by Gwen Smith in my morning quiet edevotional -"Girlfriends in God". It's called 'Uncluttered" and it has my name written all over it -- being such a project-driven -- task oriented person -- it is me -- even to the part of cleaning out the closets (my life-long task)!!! Look it up on itunes and listen -- you'll see what I mean.

The one I have to play several times a week, I found one morning on the way to school. It's a Building 429 song called, "Where I Belong". I was in one of those moods, wishing I was heading anywhere but school -- thinking that dealing with a class of 17 - 18yr. olds who are so antsy to graduate is certainly not what mission God has for me -- (I've since repented and seen the light on that one). But this song lifted my spirits -- surged new life in me and got me back on track.

Yes, it's going to be a wonderful Holiday --I'm getting what I really wanted this Christmas, all my family here in Tulsa -- what more could a Mom ask for???

Light of the World, He Stepped Out into Darkness . . .

2011-12-17T08:08:00.007-06:00

are the words to one of my favorite songs. . . . and something I heard as I drove to school this week -- "unless you let him love you, you've missed the whole point of Christmas." personalized the message for me.

I've experienced Him loving me this season as He gave me some presents uniquely mine. One was Bethany telling us about Campbell finishing their bedtime prayers with a hearty "AMEN" -- they didn't know she knew the word when she piped up in full volume. The peeked at her and saw her folding her hands. Precious!
Seeing her grow so beautifully is another gift . . .

C's play group delivered Christmas cards they made to the nursing home -- aaaah precious!

We go to all the pageants, we read the Christmas story to our children -- and the whole liturgy of advent centers around The Story.
This year I broke the story apart as I taught my Super Kids in Sunday school ... there were four angel visits, three sets of travelers, two major miracles - with two very unlikely pregnancies, two stunned daddies and two beautiful babies born with their names chosen by someone other than their parents, and a significant cast of animals in this story. I even made it into a Bible game to help them remember. But did the people living at that time even have a clue what was taking place? . As always and typical of me, I have a few questions. . .
What were the angels in Heaven thinking as they saw this unfold? We know the words that the angels out in the field were singing . . . but what did they experience from the heavenlies? How they must have missed Him those years He was here with us. . . or did His omnipresence keep Him there with them and here with us?
Did anything seem unusual to the Innkeeper the next morning? Did he have a clue that God had been born out back in his barn? That he had God with him in that feeding trough?

When the Wise Men left the house after visiting Jesus -- did they know they had seen God, come to stay?

The Angel told Mary that He was to be named Emmanuel-- God With Us-- doesn't that bring comfort and light to your world? Doesn't that pierce your darkness. God come to stay -- not just visit.

The earth-shaking miracle of this whole event was that for the first time -- EVERYONE would have Him up close and personal --LIVING in them. The Old Testament heroes (prophets, high priests, and special patriarchs) had their one-on-one encounters with the Omniscient One from time to time. Moses got close enough to see God's back and then his face shone for many days -- but in this one instance HE brought HIMSELF to ALL OF US. The world was pretty dark and bleak at that time after 400 years of silence from the prophets ... They needed the LIGHT.

Our 24-hour news coverage bombards us with stories of heinous crimes against children as well as the neglect caused by drugs and substance abuse. We see our country becoming less and less a nation founded on faith in God and more and more a materialistic, secular and capitalistic country. The light is being obscured by the darkness that is increasing.

Nathan, one of my Youth Alive leaders made powerful illustration of that Thurs at our Youth Alive lunch in my classroom.

My room has no windows and it is pitch black when you flip the switch.
He lit a few large candles to keep people safe and enable them to find their food - and handed everyone a birthday candle. One-by-one the room illuminated into a beautiful glow as approximately 100 students touched their candle to a surrounding one. He said that as we bring our light -- the fire that God has lit in us -- alongside someone else's -- we create a much brighter glow -- when our's dims -- or even goes out momentarily- our friend helps it to flame again.. .and interestingly, the more of HIS light we have -- the more clearly we see each other.
As they all blew out the candles in the room and we sat in bleak, total darkness -- it was a powerful example of what we would be without HIS LIGHT.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Cor. 4:6

The Show Must Go On!!!

2011-12-16T08:19:00.004-06:00

Where has the week gone? No, where has the month gone? Wasn't it just Thanksgiving??? School has kept me really busy -- this is the first year in a LONG time I won't be in charge of the children's Christmas presentation. God sent the wonderful Whittens to our church family and Brenda has let HIM work wonders through her ministry to our Life Park kids. So, for me, there were no costumes to finish, practices to orchestrate or banners to finish at the last minute.

This year's shepherds -- and all I had to do was oversee my Super Kids

But school has been exceptionally busy. I thought we might be dismissing the idea of a mock wedding in my Marriage and Family Life classes since my friend is closing her Bridal shop --and Terry wouldn't be able to come and officiate. I had tried to keep this wedding away from the holidays and here it was Christmas again -- NO WAY- the students wouldn't hear of scrapping the wedding idea -- and some even said --"that's why I signed up for this class."

Two girls went on line to get "licensed" to conduct the wedding ceremony.

The gals in my two classes rescued the plan. During one class period, they had it all planned with people stepping up to loan dresses, decorate from the tubs of decorator pieces we have and of course offers to bake and decorate. .

Again this year the kids converted a MESSY abandoned classroom into a brightly lit bridal chapel. They even used the back drops from a recent school production of "SHREK' to enhance the dreamy effect. High school students on a mission are so resourceful!

The music department offered their tuxes once again for my guys

It wasn't just one but TWO weddings on two different days -I have to admit -- it was probably the most relaxed I have been all the years we've been holding our weddings -- the students had it all under control. ( I did almost "freak out" when one class just took over the cake decorating and said they knew what they were doing -- as I saw the first stage of their project -- I struggled to keep from taking back the project --

(One young woman had had three different classes in cake decorating and was helping them try things out on the cake and guiding the process -- way to go Morgan!) They completed it during their lunch period and it was the prettiest cake we've ever had! NOTE: Icing does cover a multitude of mistakes, LOL
Yes, the students insisted the "show" must go on, and it did -- in rare and relaxed form!

God of the Simple

2011-11-29T06:00:00.003-06:00

I came across a Women of Faith forward yesterday that posed a question: "What if Mary had said 'NO'? She was busy planning her wedding -- what if she'd said -- 'Not now'?
It got me to thinking -- how very different our world might have been today."

I have included part of today's script from "Girlfriends in God" because I feel it brings the heart of the Christmas text to my very doorstep. Our house is draped in Christmas lights -- We look like a used car lot -- and I still have more to put up. I love the concept of Jesus as the LIGHT -- Here's my favorite from today's devotional.

I simply cannot imagine a world without the presence of God and yet I often live my life as if He does not exist. A crisis hits, and I try to handle it on my own. I don't understand the trials in my life while those who could care less about God seem to prosper. Instead of reaching out to Him, I withdraw into the darkness. Financial stress fuels worry. Instead of turning to God, I rely on what I can see and understand. I settle.
When I do cry out to God, He lovingly fills each dark corner with Light. His love flows over the pain like soothing balm and once again, I experience the manger. Once again, Jesus Christ steps into the smelly, unlikely and very ordinary existence that is mine to change everything - absolutely everything!
Jesus could have come to us in many ways. The simplicity of His birth is extraordinary and sometimes hard to grasp. Jesus could have been born in a mansion. He was, after all, a King. Instead, He came to a dirty smelly manger and His birth was announced by common shepherds instead of Kings -- the greatest of all miracles in the midst of total simplicity. Today, Jesus still wants to meet us in the midst of our simple daily lives. It seems too easy and too good to be true, doesn't it?
The very heart of Christmas is Emanuel, God with us - with me - and with you. Christmas is not a date on a calendar. Christmas is a way of life that celebrates the presence of God in the simple, ordinary happenings of daily life: where we go and what we do -- the smile we give the harried stranger or the patience we choose in the crowd of impatient shoppers -- the love that prompts the secret gift or the heart that constantly celebrates His birth through every sparkling light, every beautifully wrapped gift, each special meal, every card, phone call and visit. God is with us - if we choose to make room for Him.

From Girlfriends in God Nov. 29, 2011

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-26T20:02:00.003-06:00

We got to Kansas City Wed. evening after going the long way by way of Skiatook -- and Claremore -- it took 6 !/2 hours -- To Terry's credit -- the idea to go by way of Skiatook was my idea --noon in Claremore, OK, the day before Thanksgiving, with a train on the track caused all kinds of detours. Anyway, it seemed like forever because we were both so anxious to see our little princess. It had been a been a whole month!!!

Papa I can help you grade those 60 papers . . .

Campbell was delighted to see her Pappa She would light up when Terry walked into a room and followed him everywhere. With that precious little smile, she would put her hands up and say "up peese".

Pappa didn't get too much course work done -- because they watched kiddie clips on his computer and sang hippopotamus songs with Youtube. She perched herself on the edge of his chair the entire time. When she tired of it all -- she found a great shoulder to nap on.

These two are inseparable -- C is such a busy little lady ---Momma is right on her trail!

Daddy and I are best buddies -- we're both into technology! He buys it -- I use it!

Life is Good!!!!

Nana's Cranberry Salad was my favorite!!

We missed being with Marshall and Katie and Mat's parents-but we're looking forward to all of us being together Christmas.

God is sooooo good -- Thanking Him for family times!

2011-11-20T15:33:00.001-06:00

In preparation for this move into our new church home, I have been teaching our 3^rd-5^th grade students this fall about the meaning of the Kingdom and the significance of Christ’s Church. Today, was the first Sunday we could actually have a classroom to meet in, though it was our second Sunday in the building – I took the students outside (never mind the fact that it was 37 degrees). I wanted them to see that we were living Joshua 1:3 – “Every place you put your feet, you will be on land I have given you”.

Our story was from Joshua 4 – when the Israelites crossed into their promised land. My intent was to show them by way of example how that we could erect a memorial like God told the Israelites to build after they crossed through the Jordan River to their promised land.

Beside the cross that sits adjacent to the entrance we piled our stones and talked about how that we were here to enjoy the blessings of God and be a blessing to give HIS word of hope to everyone we could. As they shivered and jumped up and down to stay warm, I’m believing they caught the meaning of what we were doing today.

As I was trying to get my lesson started, I had one young man take off for the huge old oak tree saying he needed to use the bathroom (hmmmm right there on Union Ave) I quickly reminded him that we used the indoor facilities at this new home – I know God is still grinning over that one.

BTW,

I promised a hike on a warmer Sunday to see all this wonderful land God has given us so richly.

Determined!!!

2011-11-20T14:14:00.001-06:00

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, Col. 3:23

We're Home

2011-11-13T14:15:00.011-06:00

Every place you set your foot you will be on land I have given you. Joshua 1:3

After Twelve years and 7 moves all over Tulsa, Life Park Christian Fellowship held it's First Sunday Celebration in our new home at 5700 W. Union Ave.

Saturday it was exhilarating to be leaving the shopping center sanctuary for the last time. We all toted boxes and emptied out the remainder of our collective church "stuff" (Where did we get all this junk?), stashing it in the back portion of the building -- That area we hope to complete in the near future.

As we got to our new facility and discovered it was ready for services today it heightened our excitement. Many had worked for days cleaning and shining the surfaces to make it ready for this special day.

Terry and I were awake at the crack of dawn -- eager to welcome this wonderful event.

Those of you who have been with us on this journey remember some of the places we've been -- a converted hardware store, a downtown warehouse, 2 different schools, a beautiful church campus that was gifted to Life Park and the West Highlands Shopping Center -- twice. We had to continually remember we weren't home yet -- We paralleled this journey we were on with the trek of God's people headed to their promised land with Moses. At times we wondered if we were going to wander for 40 years like the Israelites. But God kept moving us forward on HIS schedule. Terry used to say "we are following the cloud -- when it moves, we move. When God opens doors, we go through them. When he shuts them, we wait."

I like what Ron Butler White said in his communion message this morning-- "we're not finished" the work has just begun -- we have a whole world to reach!

I want to give a special tribute to Pastor Cecil Henninger, who all the while he was living on the property to oversee the construction and ensure safety, was continuing to do ministry to people in the neighborhood and the workers at the site. Cecil -- we couldn't have made it to this point without you!!! Nobody knows what all you have endured in this undertaking.

Cecil's right-hand praise man! (Grandson, Jaylon)


In Bible class Thomas recently shared his concept of the church as a place where people would be baptized.

What a day for praise!!!

So many have sacrificed, working so very hard, giving of their time, gifts, talents and energy to get us to this place. Thank you Dana for the administrative gifts you give to this ministry.

AND NOW, FOR THE TOUR:

A work of love -a special- thank you to Tim, Brenda & Mat who made the beautiful pastors office possible

Nursery

Joel's staining makes all these floors look awesome!

Looking out at our 200 yr. old "Life" Tree

Toddler's classroom

Coffee Bar

Foyer

God is sooooo very good and we are richly blessed. Thank you, Father, for bringing us to our new Church home. . . we realize we have another HOME much more splendid that this -- but for the time being --- this one is perfect!!!!

Happy Birthday to My Man

2011-11-11T20:22:00.003-06:00

Terry is the one who always says we have to have a week (or month) celebration for my birthday -- but his year -- his actually did span a week. Marshall and Katie came to town hoping to be here for the Church's First Sunday, but inspections put that off for a few days. . . last Sunday they helped him blow out his candles and enjoy his German Chocolate B.Day cake.

Yesterday on his 63rd birthday, we were given the Letter of Occupancy stating that we were now able to move into our new Church home. As we were enjoying a dinner at Red Lobster , I reminded him that God could have done it either on Wednesday or today-- but He made it happen on his birthday.
A dream that Terry had hoped for over a long period of time. How like God to be in the infinite details to pour out his love and affirmation.

Later that evening his birthday was made complete as we circled with our youth group behind the Church building for a night of praise and saw the most beautiful angelic praise dance in the light of a full moon.

Hanging with the Washingtons

2011-11-05T19:00:00.021-05:00

We've been together three months and had such fun hanging around the table telling stories and getting to know each other. We've shared our stories, shared our dreams and shared our hearts. Terry and I believe that God sent this special family into our lives at just this special time.

Today we all did outside chores - closing up the pool, getting the yard ready for winter and James moved the chiminea up closer to the house so we could enjoy it's warmth on these cool fall evenings. I decided it would be fun if we began our last week together with a hot dog / smores roast.

2011-10-30T18:29:00.043-05:00

I looked back through my most recent blogs and they were all about Campbell Hope. Only because we have gotten to see her LOTS this Fall!!! So with a few days off for Fall Break -- guess where we headed!!!

This weekend we got to keep C overnight while Mommy and Daddy went with their friends to the OSU game.She had changed so much in just a few short days -- she repeats EVERYTHING you say -- and understands it ALL! Holding her sleeping in my arms at Church this morning -- looking at that those cherub cheeks --- she looked just like her mommy 31 years ago.

While Momma was busy packing, I just boxed myself up for the trip to Tulsa

Campbell figured out this ice chest could get her up to all sorts of places -- I found her standing on it right in front of the stovetop --

Forget my baby doll -- I want to ride in this stroller.

Teaching Papa about Daddy's ipad.

Campbell now helps in the kitchen


She thought the banana muffins needed some help. We wore her out this weekend and she slept through most of Pappa's sermon

Little Miss Independent!!!

2011-10-16T18:39:00.000-05:00

OK, Mom - I got this covered . . . .

I can brush them myself --

These Boots Are Made for Walkin. . .

2011-09-21T19:49:00.000-05:00

OK -- so it never rains in T- Town -- it does in KC!!! Papa and Nana decided this little lady needed some rainboots --

2011-09-17T14:17:00.017-05:00

My quiet time these past few days has kinda been on the run . . . . it has a lot to do with getting to be Nana on the spot 24-7. .
I had a special "God-moment" this morning when I was hovering over C as she was climbing on borders and over rocks in the yard... As she was teetering over a leaf-shaped rock --I thought "gotta keep her from cracking her head open". . . the verse "to Him who is able to keep you from falling" popped in my head.

I thought that's just what God does with us, standing close to keep us from cracking OUR heads open.

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— Jude 1:24 (This verse became precious as my Mom's health worsened and she struggled to walk)

A Whole Lotta Love Under This Roof

2011-09-16T21:12:00.008-05:00

Our granddaughter and daughter are sleeping upstairs -- my downstairs bedrooms are full with special friends who are with us for a while. It's been an awesome week -- a God-special kind of one -- There's been so much laughter -- so much love -- making so many memories. . . I fell asleep the other night thinking -- There's a whole lotta love under this roof!

Lots of special times . . . and Campbell was at the heart of them all.

Listening to Papa preach on Sunday

Why not forget the child-proof gate and come up the side bannister?

Campbell's a busy gal right now -- her world is full of wonders to be explored!

We all follow her through the house -- close behind her up the stairs -- steadying her down them-- pulling her down from the couch and kiddie table top so she won't fall -- - steadying her so she doesn't bust her head standing on top of the kiddie chair . . .

hmmmm "wonder what this car seat is doing in this box

Perfect fit -- I'll just sit a spell

And of course -- there are lots of wagon rides!!! Campbell proudly stands in the wagon like she's in a parade..

She's really taken to the Washingtons and even though she was exhausted yesterday --she still thrilled at Jeremy blowing bubbles for her-- and was fascinated with Niia's building block project --

It was special last night at supper, listening to Jeremy's special prayer thanking God for Campbell and our big family and having him come in from football practice looking for those chocolate chip cookies Bethany made earlier.

"See my favorite duckie, Niia -- It's from my great-Uncle Ward"

We love hearing Niia's giggles as she relates parts of her newest find from the library, 101 Ways to Annoy Your Parents

It's a treasure to watch Bethany carefully meet all her baby's needs -- being patient -- calming fears-- soothing feelings -- keeping her secure.
.

Papa thrills with every new antic -- making up games and stories just like he used to for our kids -- turning our upstairs bedroom into a zoo.

We're looking forward to Campbell's first meeting with her great Uncle Allen and Aunt Sandy on Sunday night.

Yep--to these empty nesters, this house feels like home again -- full to the brim!!!

Look Who's Coming to Nana and Papa's . . .

2011-09-07T18:04:00.000-05:00

At the mechanic . . . getting the car ready to come see my Nana and Papa's

On the Move!!!

2011-09-07T06:05:00.004-05:00

We've been in the midst of something HUGE these past weeks -- getting prepared to move into our new Church Home. We have the usual day-to-day commitments -- but on the horizon is our upcoming transition into the new building. So many have stepped up to do SO VERY MUCH -- a small group have single-handedly packed up our Children's Center and put it in storage, one man and his son, professional painters, are painting the entire complex -- another stands waiting to tile and stain the floors. Pastor Cecil has lived on the property for months overseeing the construction -- Another man has stepped up to stay there for a time. We are seeing God unfold a dream. During these past 5 years, in some of our studies, we've gone to the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy and watched the ways in which God guided, kept and nurtured the Israelites in their time of waiting. I was drawn to this portion of scripture today,

Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the LORD promised on oath to your ancestors. ² Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. ³ He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. ⁴ Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. ⁵ Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.

⁶ Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. ⁷ For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; ⁸ a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; ⁹ a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.

¹⁰ When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Deut. 8

GOD IS FAITHFUL!!!

This is My All-Time Favorite!!!

2011-09-06T19:17:00.001-05:00

Moving on UP

2011-08-15T06:05:00.002-05:00

Pressing on to reach the mark of the high calling . . . the Apostle Paul said -- well our little lady had a busy Friday as she discovered she could reach new heights Bethany heard her in her room talking to herself and thought she was "reading books" -- but discovered she was "crowing" about her new accomplishment.

They've decided to celebrate her success and to keep a cautious look-out.

Campbell has discovered she can also climb in the tub . . . .aren't we glad that our little ones have Angels who are always talking to God in their behalf? I'm thinking her's are gonna be doing lots of talking!

Toddler Time in KC

2011-08-08T15:56:00.008-05:00

This week I start back to school -- my classroom is still in shambles -- I want to be able get in my room tomorrow or Wednesday -- and am HOPEFUL that the AC is working and that all the dust and grime will be cleaned up before I try to unpack all the boxes and find my furniture.

Where did the summer go???

The older wedding guests loved having a cardiologist as the second shooter

Right before school opens, Terry and I always try to work in a few days away. This year it was a workcation for Terry (to use Bethany's phrase). We got to spend four days with our kids. Spoiling Campbell and giving her folks a bit of a break were the two main objectives of our getaway.

We found out that to keep her alive and well while her mommy and daddy were away Saturday "shooting" Bethany's first gig as Wedding Photographer, it helped a great deal to think like a 14-month old.

After we got into her head -- things went pretty easy.

Campbell's view of things:

1. If somebody in the room is eating -- they automatically want to share it with me.

2. Raising my right arm and pointing in the general direction of something I want starts a guessing game of them trying to figure out what I need and usually gets me more than I even wanted.

3. They finally figured it out --swinging my arm from left to right or batting something away means I don't want it!

4. Approaching these two with my arms up and tapping their legs gets me extra cuddling and lets me see what's going on up high.

5. Screaming loudly from my crib and reaching between the bars like a teary gal in jail for a nap when I toss out "Mr. Duckie" gets a quick response because they hate to see me cry.

6. Wagon rides are something grandparents like to give you if you're having a rough day -- just sit in back and act like you are the "Queen Bee" and they'll take you further.

7. Nana and Papa will read "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" ten times or more since they never get to read that book in Tulsa.

8. Talking to myself with all my jabbers and jibbers keeps them making those funny faces.

9. If you say the word "Go" -- I automatically get energized, despite how tired I am.

10. Just like my Nana and Great- Nonni -- I love to people watch, especially kids -- just put me in a crowd and I'm a happy girl!

Now to get into the heads of my High School Juniors and Seniors ~

2011-08-08T13:30:00.004-05:00

When the pump is dry --it's time to prime it.

It's been a summer of renewal. I was not only worn out at the end of the school year -- I was dry . . . I had trouble putting six words together to finish a sentence or complete a thought.

I've always heard, "a change is as good as a rest" Well, this summer I tried both.

I've cleaned closets and our house more thoroughly than I usually do, read three books and picked up a Beth Moore study I'd started two summers ago -- time drinking from the true Water always helps to end my personal drought.

T & I have talked about how many relationships God has reconnected us to these past four months. What a blessing -- enjoying family, old friends from ministry and getting to spend more time with our kids.

As some of my posts have indicated,.I have walked down memory lane pretty far this summer as I sorted everything from the past 60 years in the attic and closets--   Enough of the past -- I'm ready for the new future God is opening up for us as our Church family moves into our new home in a couple of months.

I have had some impressions I heard in my mind so strongly this summer --I believe they were God-given --
                              they're right from His Word:

He who began a good work in you, will carry it on to completion

and

Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.

One of my special Super Kids, Luke McGlothlin, recommended "Heaven Is For Real" by Todd Burpo to me this Spring-- telling me his favorite parts of the book. With extra time this past week, I finally decided to "Kindle" it to my iphone. It was an impressionable read.

My favorite lines from the book:

his continued stressing to his parents:

JESUS LOVES THE CHILDREN SO MUCH

and

Jesus says if you come to Heaven you get a new body!!! WHEW!!!

and

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL!

Something I've prayed is -- Lord help me live my life in such a real way that people are hungry for you!

My Friend, Betty

2011-07-30T10:01:00.010-05:00

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints" -- the Word says

That being the case, there was a sweet, tender homecoming on Wednesday afternoon as my friend Betty Murphey moved into her eternal home. I would have loved to see her eyes as she saw the face of her Jesus.

Betty was special to me and my family as well as our Church.

Our kids loved the fact she was willing to think outside the box.

She took a chance on our young Church plant and was devoted to it's mission.

Betty was a person with an infectious laugh - she laughed at my stories (that made her special ;-0) - she wasn't afraid to laugh at herself. She could easily identify with anything you were going through.

There was a gentleness and kindness about her that made her easily approachable by people of all ages.

In trying to find pictures of her -- I realized there weren't many with Betty in the forefront -- she was usually somewhere in the background -- serving -- helping -- visiting -- and laughing --she didn't like a lot of attention drawn to her publicly.

Betty loved to read. One of her favorite Christian authors died this past Wednesday, also.

She loved to study the Bible. With Betty in the class you always knew there would be wisdom coming from her corner -- not the preachy - stuffy kind -- but something you could hang on to and apply to your life.

She loved dearly loved Ken -- they had been married 61 years. You never saw one without the other and as you said their names it was always both-- and together -- Ken and Betty. They were a team, supporting and caring for each other through hard times.

Their 50th celebration June 2000

Couples told us that Ken and Betty's way of sharing realistically helped them learn about lifetime commitment.

Ken and Betty were generous people. They would quietly take care of someone's need.

She was a devoted mom to Kathy and Jim and ever so proud of her three grand kids --- Rachel, Ryan and Jennifer. We all felt we knew them so well, since Betty loved to share her people with us.

She went out of her way to be attentive to whatever needs we had -- bringing food, sending a card - making a visit.

We loved to have them over for dinner --She and Ken were often on Marshall's birthday guest list. In my summer sorting, I found a framed verse they gave Marshall when he graduated from high school - reminding him of the wonderful plans God had for him.

Prior to Ken and Betty's move to Houston, it thrilled me when she said -- "I want to come to your house one more time." We set about to make that happen,

Betty, we miss you and at some point -- we'll all be joining you at your new house

-- Be watching for us, sweet sister -- leave the light on.

KC and Campbell Time!!!

2011-07-23T18:48:00.006-05:00

All roads lead to KC and the biggest part of my week was spent @ Bethany and Mat's playing Nana.

Shoe shopping for Little Miss

Girl's lunch out at the Salty Iguana

C's a huge fan of black beans!!!

Wednesday was a family photo shoot -- who takes a photographer's family picture? Another friend who's also a photographer,of course! We headed to Luce Park at 7 am to get the best possible light. Campbell had been awake since 4 with serious teething! Nana went along to help with bags, props, and getting grins out of Campbell.

With a week of teething, Campbell needed lots of hugs, holding, and wagon rides and I was only too happy to volunteer!

B/C of the heat wagon rides had to come before 8 AM


Limes seemed to help the teeth!

Meet Me In St. Louis

2011-07-23T17:55:00.005-05:00

My cousin, Deb and I had talked of getting together this summer and plans finally took shape. We decided to meet in St. Louis. I found great hotel rates on line -- close to some of the major attractions and then learned that possibly I had selected one in a scary neighborhood. Not to fear, Janet had experience as a dispatcher for the Knox Co. Indiana Sheriff's office.

Three of Ida and Verner Brian's granddaughters

We never knew our grandparents because they both died at an early age, so it was interesting to read letters from our Grandma Brian that I had discovered in my mother's keepsakes this summer. We shared stories that we'd learned from our mothers about these two special people.

We stayed right by the old
Union Station so we voted to
eat-out at Hard Rock St. Louis.

With triple digit temperatures -- what are three "mature"(50 or 60+) women to do??? Head to the Mall -- No heat stroke for us by sightseeing outdoor attractions. Stopping at Clayton's Galleria meant we HAD to sample dessert at the Cheesecake Factory! The blurry effect to the picture is actually how we felt after we ate these huge pieces of cheesecake.

My brothers and I are indebted to Debbie, Janet and their folks for the care they gave our parents!

2011-07-23T16:00:00.005-05:00

I also got to spend an afternoon with my very special friend Charlene and her husband, Larry. They have a huge garden and she made the most wonderful lunch -- complete with fresh blackberry cobbler! Time wasn't long enough to catch up -- but we had been able to have an earlier visit in May when Terry and I were in Wood River for a marriage workshop.

I loved this re-post I read on someone's status on facebook -- it describes my life-long friendship with Charlene, and because of that, I re-post it here.

It's been said that everlasting friends go long periods of time without speaking and never question the friendship. These friends pick up like they just spoke yesterday, regardless of how long it has been or how far away they live, and they don't hold grudges. They understand that life is BUSY and… you will ALWAYS love them. Re-post if you have at least 1 of these friends. They will know who they are...

My Favorite Four!

2011-07-17T18:30:00.001-05:00

MOM

2011-07-13T20:58:00.009-05:00

I found this picture of my Mom last week during my "summer purge project" when I tackled the photo boxes I had been filling up for years. I"d never seen this one before and it had to be one that was taken of her for a church bulletin board or directory. It's not in clear focus -- not nearly like Bethany's digital specialty camera would do -- but it creates a softness about her that touched my heart. She was a gentle lady, a little self-conscious -- definitely a behind-the-scenes woman.

Eight years ago today she went to be with Jesus - and as I was standing at the sink this morning, I was flooded with memories of her.

She always loved tuna -- there I was making tuna salad -- it wasn't only tuna salad -- she made creamed tuna on toast -- tuna casserole -- I ate a lot of tuna growing up.

She could s-t-r-e-t-c-h a dollar. She grew her own fruits and vegetables and used them to make her own ketchup, relish, pickles, jelly, and canned all sorts of vegetables and fruits. She sewed everything for us when we were growing up --,her favorite words were, "we could make it for less."

She worked up until the last minute on everything. I followed suit today -- by finishing a birthday gift last - minute, just like her.

She loved children and thought their antics were worth telling and re-telling. Her 35 years of Sunday school teaching and working as a Media Aide in the elementary library gave her plenty of material.

She could make anything grow! I learned the names of so many different flowers from her.

Every holiday was worth decorating for -- our house was an old small farm house -- but I never thought of it that way because she always had it fixed so nicely. She decorated for every holiday except Ground Hog Day!

She believed Sundays were all about the Lord and that you should dress accordingly. In my childhood EVERYBODY wore hats to Church!

She could teach herself to do ANYTHING. If not, she took a course to learn it. She built cabinets, just like her father before her, and taught my brothers. She took painting, tailoring, upholstery and milnery classes. She could crochet, stitch little houses, create clocks out of almost every thing. Because she was always learning -- she never seemed old.

Her painting lessons created this!

She loved to take pictures (for that reason I have so many albums and boxes of her photos to sort. She would be proud of the accomplished photographer Bethany has become. Terry used to tease her about the time on a camping trip she took so many pictures of the raccoons only to discover that there was no film in her camera.

Having company was special.. She canned lots of green beans and always served them for company dinners. The aroma of green beans cooking always makes me think of those dinners she'd prepare.

She believed being a Mom was the most important task I woman could have -- and Grandchildren -- why, her grand kids were the light of her life!

She was my best friend and confidant. Even as early as childhood - if I picked up a dish towel to help with dishes -- I had a captive audience and a wise listener. Maybe that's why I ended up in the kitchen so often -- she was always ready to hear me out.

She believed idle hands were certainly the devil's workshop, and that busy kids were happy kids.

These projects always brought some sort of reward!

helping grandma settle the yard at their new house.

Marshall can attest to that, as she always had a list of jobs for him to help her with when we'd visit. You NEVER said you were bored around her -- or she'd find a cure for that boredom. LOL

She was tireless in her efforts to take care of my Dad. She believed that was her life purpose -- Together the two of them managed his Muscular Dystrophy for 40 plus years - allowing him to continue working. We learned so much about being a caregiver from her.

She saw God as her refuge -- she read His word through several times and talked to him about EVERYTHING -- She and Dad believed it was their responsibility to pray over all of their family every day. We always knew they were behind us, praying.

When It's Hot Outside . . . Play In the Fridge and Check all the Expiration Dates

2011-07-08T18:18:00.001-05:00

SevenThings I Learned From My Granddaughter

2011-06-27T21:04:00.002-05:00

Campbell and Bethany just left this morning after four fun days! Bethany had several photo shoots so that meant that we had little Miss C all to ourselves! We had to be on our toes and draw on everything we remembered from raising her Momma and Uncle Marshall. Here's what this Grandma learned from the whole experience.

1. Little girls who stay up past their bedtimes don't sleep in -- they just wake up earlier.

2. When you turn one, your Nana has to learn to change diapers on the move --

3. Refrigerator "surfing" is a good pass time for little girls who are in need of something to do.

4. Strollers work just as well inside as outside to quiet a little lady who didn't nap long enough and woke up before Nana got HER nap.Pappa to the rescue!!!

5. Pappas are the best stroller drivers b/c they sing while they push 'em.

6. When you're not quite walking--- knees get you where you want to go much more quickly --- and making it to the top of the stairs is soooo much fun!

7. If you wrinkle up your nose and give a big wide grin - it will get you ANYTHING YOU WANT!

Birthday Celebration

2011-06-20T11:00:00.011-05:00

Now that Bethany has shared Campbell's birthday blog -- I'll post mine.

photo by Rachel at Love is Rising

Last Saturday evening when we got to Bethany and Mat's place in Kansas City it was "Birthday Central" Bethany had a lengthy to-do list for us all to work from and it as a whirlwind of activity- from the time we arrived until we went to bed on Sunday night -- it was soooo much fun! Nobody worked as hard as Bethany and Mat - and I would have to say Katie and Marshall ran a close second.

Bethany's theme was Flamingos (since they stand on one leg -- and C turning ONE - it seemed to fit). Bethany is the ultimate party planner and that came early in her life (at 6 she planned a surprise birthday party for me with her daddy and asked me who I wanted to invite to my surprise party) This year, true to course, Bethany even worked in a birthday dinner for me on Saturday evening the night before Campbell's birthday bash!--

Campbell was quick and into everything!

Two days before, on Friday, C took her first three steps while visiting her great Granddad Good for the first time and then teased us the rest of the weekend -- but wouldn't quite get up the confidence to walk again. She became "rubber legs" every time we tried to get her to do so.

So many GOOD memories -

everybody pitching in to pull this party off --

Marshall and Katie left Denver late Saturday night and made it in about three hours before the party!!! What a welcome sight!! We were all thrilled they could make it. They got to stay only about 7 hours ~

With an 80% chance of rain -- Terry and Katie working together to put up a portable canopy
(loaned from next door neighbors) HOWEVER no rain -- lots of prayers and Hallelujahs for that break in the weather)

Marshall was the designated "snow cone maker" and worked out of that tent all afternoon making sure everybody was well taken care of.

Campbell and Dirvy were thrilled with the wagon Pappa and her Daddy put together --

Don't know who enjoyed it more!

photo by Rachel at Love is Rising

There was a water table, and inflatable baby pool with, a bubble machine and a ladder game the adults played. Campbell was totally enthralled with the pool, the children and playing with sticks.

photo by Rachel at Love is Rising

These two are sooooo competitive!

Campbell loved her little pool --

it amazed Grammy Jan and I as we watched over her "swimming" how long she sat mesmerized by the water

photo by Rachel at Love is Rising

She planted face down! More sugar than she's had in her entire life!!!!

Lots of Yummy treats:

There were stuffed jalapenos, taco bites, cheeses, fruits, veggies and lots of deeeeeelicious sweets

One little two-yr. old must have eaten a half dozen of Bethany's strawberry cake balls (with Flamingo skewers, of course)

My favorite, too -- -- photo by Rachel

Cute flamings to carry out the theme made by B's friend Elizabeth Fank -- Photo by Rachel

Bethany set up a photo booth for all the guests to have their pictures made with Campbell - Rachel snapped some great ones!!!

Our thoughts were also of Parker Grace


Lilies we planted last June in honor or Parker Grace.

and we released a dozen purple balloons for her celebration in Heaven with a prayer by her Pappa.

Traces . . .

2011-06-17T12:13:00.003-05:00

Traces of Relationships --

My attic toss project is evolving and as I went through tubs of my Mother's yesterday, I found letters exchanged between she and my Dad before they married and valentines they gave each other throughout their marriage of 51 years. My greatest find was letters from my grandmother, whom I had never known, written to my mother -- I can't wait to sit down with these and learn more about this special lady.

There were letters from Terry's mother written to me in college (before she became my mother-in-law).

Letters that my mother's friends had written to me my first few weeks in college --

I kept lots of these and I can't wait to read 'em --

I filled a 39-gallon trash can with all the other cards Mom and Dad received from others or exchanged with each other. There were tons that my brothers and I had sent to them. . . . all of these representing traces of relationships and reminders of precious relationships --

I looked at that bulging trash can and thought "Hallmark surely made a lot of money on that!"
In all of these -- one dominant theme -- expressions of love and caring the words unsaid were "you matter to me"

We do it differently now -- we text message a few words -- we shoot off an e-card, e-mail or we send some crazy forward that tells us we are loved and if we don't hurry and send it on in 8 sec.we won't get our wishes granted -- - writing letters and sending cards are going out of fashion.

Traces of my past --
I found my report cards from elementary school

         ---- my dolls and all the doll clothes my mother had painstakingly made -- one poor doll was so old her leg had disintegrated (I told you my Mother was a treasure keeper)

               --- 4-H project books and ribbons earned

   --- my childhood Bible

- my college projects that I'd labored over for days some 40+ years ago

--an evaluation of my first year of teaching -- certificates from various volunteer organizations --


                   there were letters written from a foster daughter who was with us for 19 months in the late 70's

                            artwork done by a high school foreign exchange student who lived with us during Bethany's first year


Church bulletins and newspaper articles when we arrived at a new church -- the same when we moved on

                              Special accomplishments or recognitions granted -
                                       -thank you notes for some act of kindness

This much needed Attic Purge Project has flooded me with memories and given me impressions of my "people" and traces of the past that connect to my future and are a part of who I am at this moment.

I have been blessed to know such loving people through family, friends and church - People who left impressions and traces on my life -- all are a part of my forever family -I'm gonna have an eternity to spend time retracing and reconnecting these relationships!

Treasures

2011-06-10T06:13:00.005-05:00

It's been a good day -- it was all about treasures. . .

                 Got a phone call from a very close friend from childhood and
                             had a new friend to lunch to work on children's curriculum--treasured friendship

                                   Got a beautiful home-baked birthday cake and a visit from two special teens
   at Church - treasured gifts of the heart and hands

Finished my "Nana-stitching" for Campbell. What a treasure to sew for this little bundle of joy! Here's a couple of my favorites:

Memory treasures . . .
I took a walk down memory lane and sorted a couple of keepsake tubs that I found in my attic purging project:

In my mom's tub, I found keepsake boxes she'd created -- one held baby shoes and an envelope of baby teeth.(funny memo on the envelope- she had no idea whose they were -- oh well -- there were letters I'd written her from college one of them marked "save" wonder what I said? -- mail from my brothers --and it seemed ALL the cards anyone had EVER sent her.

My tub held an article I had written for a ministry magazine way back in 1983, entitled, "So You Want to Marry A Minister" (10 helpful pointers --- hmmm maybe I'd better re-read that.), letters from Terry when he was in India while we were dating, the flute I played in elementary and middle school, my 2nd grade reading glasses and a straw bonnet from my childhood. My mother was the ultimate treasure keeper.

You can only save so much -- how many tokens from your past does it take to help you remember what a happy childhood you had? I'm not certain -- but the time remembering was so rich -- they were sort of anchors to the past --
the time spent with friends was even more a blessing securing me to the future.

2011-06-08T10:22:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe that this little lady will be one year old -- just 6 days from now. I remember those weeks of bouncing her on a huge therapy ball beside the humming vacuum cleaner to get her to finally sleep.
Her family and friends are coming together to celebrate this blessed year we've had with her in a few days. God's grace has been with us these past 12 months as we've savored every bit of time we could get with her. It's sure to be a gala event -- I won't share the theme -- but it's one only her momma could think of --of course I'll post the pictures.

In a parenting class last night, the DVD teacher, Tim Kimmel talked about how Hope and Grace are the two sides of a coin. It was a beautiful lesson on the helplessness of our babies and how as we extend grace to them, meeting their every need, we give them hope, building in them a sense of anticipation and trust. He went on to parallel the fact that our Father has built that same Hope in us as HE's gracefully cared for us.

That's our two girls -- While we're celebrating a beautiful year together down here with Campbell Hope our own precious Parker Grace knows the fullness of HIS grace and love. She's basked in His love and celebrated the glory of being in His presence these months. Heaven is even dearer and sweeter now --Some day we'll be a forever family with you, Parker Grace -- our thoughts will be with you this weekend. You are our treasure. Love you, Nana

2011-06-02T17:35:00.000-05:00

Look at this little peeper???
Can't you just read her mind . . . "hmmm what's up here I can get my hands on???"

School's Out -- School's Out -- Teacher Let the ????? Out?

2011-05-28T09:32:00.002-05:00

How did that Song Go??? I remember singing it in elementary school - what did the teacher let out??? Was it "teacher let the monkey's out or mules out?"
It dawned on me today that I'm FREE for at least 8 weeks -- so I made my bucket list:

LOTS OF TIME WITH MY FAMILY --

WORK OUT & WALK --

LOSE WEIGHT --

READ A LOT--

SORT - TOSS and DECLUTTER (wait, wasn't that on last year's list??)

I have to start it NOW or mid-July -- I will have forgotten my good intentions-

It's been a crazy busy week, with tests, end of the semester projects to grade, last day check out procedures and to top-it-all-off - we had to get our rooms ready to have the ceilings gutted for new HVAC systems to be installed. There was the fridge to empty -- the small one I never did get defrosted -- and all sorts of things to box up -- I finally walked out of there by 6:00 I think I was the last one in the building.

But my day started with this and it energized me the WHOLE DAY --

Got this one today . . .

2011-05-26T20:44:00.001-05:00

With a tag that said, "Have my people call your people . . . we'll do lunch"

. . . .

2011-05-24T18:53:00.004-05:00

We're sitting here - waiting on the storms to hit -- wondering what the effect will be -- seeing all the pictures of Joplin's devastation, watching the death toll rise and realizing that some 50 people still have not been found. There have been so many tornadoes this storm season --one report was 1000 so far.

Terry's got our storm closet readied with all sorts of supplies -- thinking still about the people in Joplin -- looking around at our stuff -- wondering what few items I should put in the closet -- thinking how all of their things are scattered throughout Northeast Missouri for miles -- I am certain that every approaching storm from this point on will cause them terror and fear.

So many different stories -- one touched me personally:

Marinelle, told me of our friend "the basket lady". I met this Godly woman and her husband 4 years ago on Labor Day weekend when Marinelle, her mother and I went to make baskets at their place not far from Pitcher. The Pitcher tornado devastated their lovely retirement home and took the life of her beloved husband. She moved to Joplin near one of her daughters and had to endure it's tornado on Sunday. For a while no one knew if she survived this one-- It is reported to have only damaged her home, while the house across the street was demolished. I can only imagine the flashbacks and panic she endured during that time.

There is much to be said about the human spirit of resilience in times of tragedy. We saw it recently in Japan, as their people banded together to help one another. We witnessed it during 9-11 and earlier in Oklahoma City. But in all of it -- the tremendous loss --

It's been a season of loss in our school community, as well -- a recent graduate -- whom many of my students were close to, died in a car accident coming home from college two weeks ago. It rocked our school. Last Thursday one of my student's father was in a deadly car crash on 169 in the early morning hours. His funeral was today.

We often go about our days without a thought, planning our schedules for weeks and months to come.
It takes something like the tragedies and severe weather forecasts we've been hearing for two days to make us think soberly about it all.

Jesus didn't return on Saturday to end it all as some were anticipating -- but HE did come for these recent victims.

Scripture says that God knows the number of our days --and at that time HE'LL come to take us to HIS house. I like what I heard in Church on Sunday -- Just like a groom waiting for his wedding -- Jesus is so anxious to come and get us -- just waiting on the word from the Father.

Like Mother -- Like Daughter

2011-05-23T09:13:00.001-05:00

She's EVERY where in a flash and So Was Her Momma

2011-05-21T20:13:00.001-05:00

Sittin' a Spell

2011-05-19T19:21:00.001-05:00

Going Home

2011-05-15T20:02:00.009-05:00

If I heard it once -- I must have heard it 25 times, "Oh, Jannie, you look so much like your sweet momma." This weekend, we were at the Vaughn Hill Church of Christ, where I grew up, to do a marriage enrichment workshop. Being back on home turf, seemed to make my mother's day last for an entire week as I heard those words from so many of my mother's 80-90 yr-old friends. I hadn't seen these ladies in almost 10 years -- and I was blessed beyond words!!!

Terry took over all the workshop set-up so I could spend a few hours Friday afternoon with my long-time friend of 59 years, Charlene Bandy. We talked nonstop as she took me out to see the house where I grew up and then on to surprise her 95-yr. old mother in the retirement home where she lives now.

Charlene saved this sampler for me that her mother had stitched. Beside it is a little pitcher that was always filled with milk and on their table at every meal. It was such a precious link to my past.

So many highlights of the weekend:
>>>it was fun doing a workshop again with my man -- it's been 2-3 years since we'd been able to do one -- so we had to tweak the powerpoints a bit. . . I'm still amazed at how much work Terry puts into those!

>>>getting back with Mark Moran and meeting his wife, Annie -- they were awesome hosts and it was so good to reconnect and share in their work for the weekend. That Church is truly blessed to have them!

>>>>being with Boyd Goodson and his sweet wife, Bonnie who've been married 57 years and have served in ministry together for sooooo many years. What a testimony they are to living a life of love.

>>>>seeing the families that have grown up and remained part of this church and their children (who were preschoolers when we moved away) now leading and guiding the growth of this church family. (There was a special group of 4-5 year olds that my mother taught 35 years ago and she was certain they were going to be the future of this Church. She put extra effort into making sure she taught them the Bible stories in great detail in her Sunday school class. So many from that Sunday school class are leading the Vaughn Hill Church today! I think Mom and Dad are looking down proud of what they've all become.)

>>>being together with our couple friends from our early days of marriage. We were part of a young married's group that enjoyed getting together about once a month.

Well, 40 years and lots of gray hair later we all got together Saturday night for dinner at Paul and Doris Joiners -- what fun catching up and remembering the fun we'd all had -- amazing how many knee replacements there already have been in that group! LOL

>>> It was a weekend that honored and gave tribute to my parents. I was overjoyed when I heard it mentioned that the "Thursday School" (a Mother's Day Out program) had just had their graduation the night before. My mother and another lady had started that ministry some 40+ years ago and it is still going on!

In our workshop we asked the couples to describe married couples that they had observed and wanted to model their marriage after, many talked about my parents and what they had taught them about commitment and care for each other, remembering all those years Mom cared for Dad when his muscular dystrophy left him in a wheelchair. So many of the people at this Church would come to her rescue when she needed help.

Going back home was such an awesome experience of renewal and reconnecting. We drove away with hearts brimming over, realizing God had done something huge for us --bringing us back to where we had dated, fell in love, started our marriage and ministry together to do this workshop. We thank God for making it all come together in such an unbelievable way.

Checkin' out the Fridge --

2011-05-04T16:43:00.000-05:00

Guess I'll have to get my own lunch . . .

Campbell Hope has had a busy week and her momma says she turns away for a second and the little lady gets busy!

2011-04-25T19:15:00.002-05:00

Got this picture text msg'd to me during praise and worship yesterday ---

It was titled "Headed to Church"!

I have to admit, that even though it was a very pivotal time in the service . . . I did have to glance down at my phone in my purse and take a peek

It reminded me of how many prayers were offered up for this little lady this time last Easter. . .

Nana and Papa Sitting

2011-04-17T20:00:00.001-05:00


Campbell wearing her momma's Sesame Street Live Shirt from 30 years ago

This little lady's mommy ran a half-marathon in Austin with one of her best friends - and she needed her Nana and Papa to come stay with her -- we were only TOOOO glad to oblige!!!

The tornado/ severe thunderstorm Thurs. night caught us and we had to turn around and head back to Tulsa. We got up EARLY Friday morning and headed to KC - I drove a large part of the trip and by the time I gave C her lunch I was pooped.

Early Friday afternoon I left her with Papa to take quick nap (short refuel for the next few hours) -- I came back in to find that Papa was worn out from chasing our active little adventurer and had built barricades -- he was pretty proud of himself.

Mat was on a 12 - hour shift at the hospital and so we were not quite sure how the evening would go -- to keep things calm we thought we'd best keep to Bethany's schedule -- except for the fact that we did take Campbell out to KFC for supper -- (no problem -- we decided against the extra crispy crust on her's ;-)

Things went well through the night Fri. night and so with a morning nap accomplished we decided with the sun finally out to warm up the chill we'd head for the park with Campbell's daddy

Campbell is always on the move and does lots of exploring -- (the name plate on the wall was one of her curiosity pieces --Mommy had to take it off the wall over her crib --don't know how long it will last on the floor, either).

We all worked pretty hard to keep Campbell Hope happy so she wouldn't miss her Mommy. I told Terry I didn't know how I could have done the weekend without him. I forgot how much fun he always was for our kids and how many songs he entertained them with. Here's my favorite of:
"Bee Bop a Louey"

Delivery Day

2011-04-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

Remember those lap quilts my students finished in January -- well, we finally got them delivered today.

We arranged with a residential care facility near our school and they were thrilled for our students to come and make the delivery in person. We arrived when they were all in the breakfast room and their hostess had decided that having a drawing for the quilts would make it more fun for the residents. It was a special moment for all of us! One young lady recently lost her grandmother to Alzheimer's and was touched by whole experience.

First Thoughts

2011-04-10T07:37:00.003-05:00

As I was preparing for my Sunday school lesson yesterday . . . I came across a web link of one the stories of Jesus last days I was researching. It was a plea from a children's Bible teacher saying if that we don't teach them well these words of truth-- the message of God's love will die out with our generation.

He cited examples of other nations that because these lessons from Scripture have not been carefully taught.now only 1% of the country are believers in Jesus He plead for each generation to pass Jesus teachings to the next.

This was still on my mind this morning when I woke up and set out to complete today's lesson for my rowdy 4-5th graders (mostly boys) - How do I present this story of Jesus last days on earth to help them get a grasp of how passionately he taught about the Kingdom, living a life of service, and loving God first and foremost?

Parts of several verses came to my mind

". . . a famine for hearing the words of God" Amos 8

I thought of the generations that will come after me . . .I want to teach them well --
my favorite is from Deuteronomy 5 --
showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

and also from the same book -- this was impressed on me this week
The LORD your GOD will circumcise (cleanse) your hearts and the hearts of your descendants so that you may LOVE him with all your HEART and your SOUL and your LIFE. Ch. 30:6

It’s Not about Me –

2011-04-04T19:12:00.002-05:00

There’s not time to wallow in who we’re not – continually apologizing for our shortcomings and slip-ups and misdeeds. There is such a need and call placed on us to go and be His hands and His feet that we dare not spare the time for such self -pity and self-loathing. Jesus wants us to repent of it and get over ourselves because He has a world out there that needs re-claiming and re-connecting to His redemptive love.

That happens when we do what we’re good at – LOVING – in the special unique ways he has made us ---but It’s not ABOUT us – It’s about what he wants to do in, and through, and with us.

I like what was in this Friday’s post from “Meet Me in the Meadow”

Self-righteousness, self-justification and self-sufficiency do not magnify the Lord’s sacrifice, redemption, and atonement for us on the cross. It is only through brokenness, humility, and repentance that we can fully magnify who the Lord is and what He has done in our lives.

For it is out of our poverty that we magnify His riches;

it is out of our smallness that we magnify His greatness;

it is out of our frailty that we magnify His power;

it is out of our need that we magnify His fullness;

it is out of our flaws that we magnify His perfection;

it is out of our deficiency that we magnify His abundance;

it is out of our unworthiness that we magnify His mercies;

it is out of our imperfection that we magnify His beauty;

it is out of our weakness that we magnify His strength;

it is out of our insufficiency that we magnify His grace.

2011-04-02T10:37:00.006-05:00

It’s been a week!!! I’ve heard the saddest stories of rejection from my students and I’VE HAD IT with parents who launch their children – walk away from their families or toss their kids out of the nest --long before they can handle it. I came home yesterday with “Friday Fatigue” that was tinged with the feelings of despair – “WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE UP FOR THIS SHORTFALL IN MY STUDENT'S LIVES???” Every day I see teens left out while parents start new lives without considering their kids or have become over-involved in their careers – I see the depression and hear their despair in the stories they tell --- These are Kids who’ve given up on their academic work this close to the end of the year because they no longer think it’s important.. . .they don’t think THEY’RE ALL THAT IMPORTANT --and many make poor decisions that they reap harsh consequences for a long time.

BUT ON THURSDAYS . . . my hope is reborn. . .

70-100 kids crowd in my room for lunch – and I never quite know how where they or the Lord will take us– I thrilled to hear their stories last week of what they’d experienced with God during their Spring Break mission efforts and where they’d seen Him work at home during this break in their busy lives.

This week 2nd lunch bunch decided it was time for a YA (Youth Alive) Praise Day --- seeing them get lost in the wonder of praise -- one girl playing her djimbai – one girl’s sweet voice matching one of the guy’s – hearing another of my third hour guys on his guitar – didn’t know he was so gifted. My classroom was different after they left -- The Spirit of God was there. . .

And then on my tired drive home. . .

God sent me a sweet reminder that HE's in His Heaven and loves ALL His kids SO VERY MUCH !!!

Okay --Okay-- I do HAVE to add the video clip -- (notice how "tuned in" to the other kids Campbell is.)

Dora -- no I mean--- Campbell, the Explorer

2011-03-30T19:02:00.009-05:00

Now that Campbell Hope can get anywhere she chooses, - she has begun exploring . . . and found you can get your own snacks by rifling through the diaper bag.

Campbell now knows that when Momma puts you down for a nap -- there lots to do instead!

She has emptied the little shelf at the head of her bed, by taking the
objects off it and putting them in her crib . .. .

Sunday she discovered that there's a whole big world outside her nursery by pulling herself to have a "look see" and stood for an hour -- not knowing how to set herself down and fall asleep. She decided to yell for Mom.


Even busy little girls have to take a nap sometime. She finally gives it up after sitting it out for quite awhile

2011-03-26T15:21:00.002-05:00

Guess who's crawling now??? I got this video clip yesterday morn at school:

AND -----Guess who's momma is frantically childproofing EVERYTHING?

C's also trying to give up her bows! Once she said the word, that was all out declaration of her intention to stop wearing them! She promptly yanked it off her head.

Momma will get over it.

'Seems she is developing her own sense of fashion . . .

2011-03-26T13:57:00.002-05:00

I so love the regeneration and resurgence of life that comes in Spring --- I've said that a lot here lately in various ways . . .

I love lambs -- especially this time of year --if we were sheep herders we'd know it is lambing season----
This year I wanted Campbell to have a stuffed lamb -- because I LOVE lambs --- they remind me . . .

It's Passover and it's --

It's time for Celebration of the Resurrection

-- you can't do either without a lamb!!!!

In the days of Moses, Passover was celebrated with the sacrificing of the family's best, blemish-free, less than a year old -- lamb
later . . .

John announced Jesus with the words,

"Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!"

BUT:

. . . . sheep stink.

. . . sheep can be dumb and defenseless . . hmmmm . . . . sound like they're needing a good Shepherd.

but why a lamb? . . .

Where does this all fit into the Redemption story??? How can the Shepherd of our souls ... also be called the pure spotless Lamb, laid down for us???

That's what I like about HIS story -- HE gets in the middle of it with us -- showing us HE knows what it's like to be us . . . and going one further -- making the way for us -- by taking on our sins -- as the LAMB SACRIFICE..and the only thing we have to do is:

Our Good Girls Came to Town!

2011-03-20T14:00:00.002-05:00

We captured Papa for our getaway to Hideaway Pizza Friday Night

Bethany and Campbell Hope arrived on Wednesday and we had a glorious time getting to babysit and be Nana and Papa. It didn't take any time at all for her to make up with us and we loved her squeals of delight when we would come near. She is absolutely a monkey and clearly loves people -- children especially. She waits to catch someone's eye and shows her toothless grin -- at that she's "got ya!" Bethany said people will stop in the grocery store after getting a Campbell smile and tell her that she gave them something they truly needed that day! That's what our girls did for us!

Nana's gonna teach this girl to sew. . .

It was just last Spring Break that I was sewing feverishly for Campbell Hope's nursery and just 12 months later what a miracle we have received!!!!

I got to sew ruffles and girlie tops for our little sweetie!

Playing with Momma's first Christmas toy!

Checking out Momma and Uncle Marshall's toys

Campbell is all about giving the "high five"!

Practicing crawling by working out on the stairs

She is really into feeding herself

She even recognized Nanna in her book "Brown Bear, Brown Bear"!

Teething on her favorite thing -- the remote!

C and her Papa are big buddies

Prettiest flower in our garden

Life is Good!

2011-03-09T20:29:00.004-06:00

Now that Campbell Hope is down from the high elevation of Vail and back in Denver at her Grammy and Granddad Good's house, Bethany says she's so much more relaxed. Evidentally, the altitude set off a lot of ear pain for our little lady and she had melt downs traveling through the mountains both ways. At this point, she seems quite content making her music!

2011-03-08T20:53:00.005-06:00

They've all done a great job keeping their Dad and I in the loop with lots of pics of their Ski Week in Vail


Snoozin' in Downtown Vail


These two look ready for some serious skiing. . .

Scanning the ipad for Baby updates!

Uncle Marshall, Read me a story. . . .

Colorado Bound!

2011-03-05T08:00:00.004-06:00

Waiting to board at KC airport . . .

Every time we get an airport pic of this child she has this thrilled look on her face -- Campbell's already quite the traveler and her mommy and daddy say she loves the whole process -- endures safety clearance -- loves the flight and coos and goos the whole trip -- grinning at all the other passengers! 'Wish travel were that easy on the rest of us.

The kids are getting together for some "end of winter / bring on Spring" skiing --Katie txt'd yesterday to say how much she'll miss us. Ooooooh how we'd love to be there in the middle of all their stories and the teasing I guess this trip we'll have to experience vicariously through their pictures-

So glad that Jim and Jan, Mat's folks will be able to spend the weekend with them-- Bethany's gonna be relaxing with Baby C at the lodge-- Mat & Marshall love the black slopes -- Katie loves to snowboard -- Be safe --Don't forget to wear a helmet! -- you've got a lot riding on those two skinny boards you call skis.

2011-03-05T07:45:00.002-06:00

Spring's re-creation . . . our renewal

This was an e-post I read this morn from "Meet Me in the Meadow" I liked it so much and think it is worth the re-post:

There will always be a grace that is sufficient;

a mercy that endures;

an atoning blood that cleanses;

a hope that doesn’t disappoint;

a love that never fails;

a purpose that works all things together for the good;

a peace that passes understanding;

a joy unspeakable;

a kingdom unshakable;

a foundation indestructible;

a High Priest who prays;

a Savior who lives;

a Spirit who comforts;

a Father who cares.

Roy Lessin

Isn't that what the re-birth of Spring is really all about -- reminding us that under the shifting surface of the present situations these concepts are the bedrock foundation stones on which we build our lives?

Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us .This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT

or my favorite for uncertainty:

He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. Col. 1:17 The Message

This Week's Favorites!!!!

2011-02-26T22:00:00.000-06:00

2011-02-26T12:30:00.004-06:00

Campbell's getting everywhere scooting backward.
Seconds after Bethany snapped this, C got tangled
in the lamp cord -Bethany caught it just in time.

Gettin' in the Gardening Groove

2011-02-26T11:00:00.004-06:00

Erica and I got our groove on this morning and started the vegetable garden. She was here for "Auntie Jan" time and I always think we have to do a project together. I bought all the seeds, peat pots and soil and had looked at them for a week and done nothing -- I all needed was an inquisitive little seven-year-old to help me get this garden thing on the move!!! We talked about scouts, her best friend, school and Taylor Swift (her new favorite). It was just what this teacher needed after a week with high schoolers.

Kids can get so excited about putting tiny seeds in the ground -- Do you know how different seeds are??? Beet seeds are really weird -- don't even look like seeds -- well Erica and I had the best conversation about germination and growth and God's miracle that was gonna take place in the dirt and how many plants would come from all those seeds we put in our peat pots. I think the transformation of those tiny seed into flowers and then veggies is a whole life lesson itself in this garden process -- (don't know how much of that a little Girl Scout could take in at one setting).

You know, I think that's why I like Spring so much -- all the resurrection examples as my Winter ugly back yard becomes a beautiful place to hang out this Summer. It reminds me that we can have a "do-over" and get new life!!!

The Week at a Glance . . .

2011-02-20T15:34:00.005-06:00

To be quite truthful -- I was sort of glad to get back to school last Monday -- even though it was really nice to spend the time catching up with lots of projects -- being snowbound can get a little old -- so it only took
the students and me about a day and a half to get our groove back on -- but by Tuesday noon--it was business as usual.
While I was on my 9-day snow hiatus -- a text message from one of my students made me realize that as soon as we finally got back into classes our calendar would resume and all the things I had scheduled pre-snow would come due. Tuesday my Youth Alive students and I fed some 50-60 visiting French students, their teachers and some of their hosts at a baked potato / salad bar. These kids had just arrived at the airport on Monday afternoon, I'm sure were still in jet lag and culture shock, but they hadn't lost their appetites. (Don't know if they serve chili-stuffed potatoes in their part of France -- but we do in Oklahoma)
Thursday it was time for another Pastor and Pizza day with Youth Alive during both lunches. 111 of us crowded into my classroom. It's one of my favorite times as I watch them really tuned in and turned on to what the youth pastors are telling them. One of my youth leaders has a goal of 300 kids by the end of the year -- He says it's gonna happen. They're raising funds to buy goats for families in a third world country. The family will be able to build a herd, use the milk and become more self-sustaining. They want a Youth Alive Herd somewhere in Africa and want to think up names for all their goats (I'm suggesting the weirdest names they can find in the Bible!)

Yesterday -- was all about celebrating the rites of Spring in my backyard -- Wasn't it just last week I was posting pictures of the snow berm halfway up my dining room window?


This week I am clearing out the dead plants to welcome the daffodils that are about to spread.

Terry and I are starting some seedlings in our garden room to transplant mid-April. I am determined there will be no more snow days!!

Enough of this cold weather -- Jan Bell is ready for cook-outs and flower beds!

Our Baby James parenting support group today was all about family fun -- and building those special moments together. The group shared ideas on what they like to do with their children for fun times. I slipped in some slides of our family growing up -- (Pulling out the pictures yesterday, Terry and I would ooooh and aaaah as we remembered those days when our younguns were still at home.)

Aren't they sweet???

Trailer camping at Niagara Falls -- We pulled that old airstream all across the country.

Lunch with our parents' group was like a BIG family reunion. We did a build-your- own-pizza lunch which was a little chaotic and then I let the kids decorate a cookie cake. We had about 20 bazillion kids ages 15 months to 13 years and 40-eleven adults (not really ;-)   -- I found us running out of food -- should have made 5 big pizza crusts for that crowd instead of 3 -- sent Terry across the street for frozen pizza and pizza rolls. My man is awesome -- he just sees what needs to be done -- does it and finds all the folks who need visiting with and makes them feel special.

Last night at Winter Jam -- (Thanks Denise for the invite to sit in the special suite) -- it was awesome to see the BOK center packed with kids on their feet praising God. 5000??? -- don't know ---but it was an overflow   ---As one speaker termed it "Enjoying Jesus Together". I like that -- wouldn't that be a great way to describe what happens at Church???

I like something else he said -- We're children of the King and the physical can't dictate the Spiritual. Hmmm . . . . .that's something I'm gonna think on and apply to lots of my concerns and deadlines this week!

2011-02-11T06:09:00.000-06:00

Snow Day #11 for my Nana -- at this rate she'll still be in school and miss my birthday!!!

Snow Day # 10 -- Florida Here I Come!!!

2011-02-10T20:30:00.000-06:00

I think it's time to put the snow village away, take the snowmen off the front door and next winter decorate with pink flamingo and palm trees for the holidays

Blizzard of 2011 - Day 9: - 5-6 More Inches of the White Stuff

2011-02-09T09:46:00.010-06:00

How long have we been at this? Every day of February to be exact!! Today is my 7th School Snow day of this storm -- 9th since the first of January. 'Wonder when we will be out this Spring? Why did I think I needed to still get up and tune in to my buddies on Channel 6 this morning like I did all of last Tuesday? I guess I want an update on how much snow is actually falling -- I could just look outside and see everything was covered up that we Terry cleared off. Yesterday was the first day that I thought I just had to get out and drive my little car all by myself. Good thing, because the roads are a mess again!

Seriously, I have enjoyed this time off to complete several projects that I never seemed to get around to --I even did some deeper cleaning and tackled some work I've put off for weeks, like mending. I fortified the garden room yesterday against that pesky finch, sealing it off completely -- and did lots of sanitizing and felt victorious -- (only to discover this morning that cocky little bird had found another way in)

I spent 3-4 hours ~~repairing~~ completing a couple of the lapblanket for nursing home clients that my students finished in early January. The kids created their own patterns, coordinated the colors, sewed the squares together, added the batting and backs and did an awesome job. We have 7 of these small wheel chair blankets that will go to nursing home residents who have special needs. It's an effort to help them learn to serve and to give back. The students took great pride in their work -- one was even made by a young man. A young woman shared with me that she'd lost her grandmother last semester to Alzhiemers and that she had passed away in a nursing home.
One young lady who stressed over hers' the entire time -- working so hard to get it perfect - brought it to me the last day for one final approval. She confessed that she'd found three straight pins in the binding and wondered how we'd get them out . . . hmmm -- guess who got to tackle that project this morning. Can't wait to deliver these to two of the care centers near our school. I'm hoping some of my students will be able to go along.

I told Bethany I needed more pics to make it through the snow days -- - I promptly got this reply from Campbell: "Mondays are such busy days --helping with the laundry!

I've enjoyed cooking -- I'm on my third big pot of soup for the storm. .beef stew with a secret ingredient I learned from Adelia. We enjoyed her recipe for French Beef Stew the weekend before this weather set in.

I've made breads (got caraway rye in the bread machine, right now) it's been a good chance to try out some recipes that I don't get time to cook. Like Bethany says, times like this all you want is carbs!!! May even make some cherry jelly -- I still haven't made the shrimp gumbo I always make for the first snow or potato soup which is my standard cold weather food. Terry's gonna be glad when I get back to cookin' REAL food. If we don't get back in school soon, I'm gonna be 30 pounds heavier!!!

that snow berm outside my dining room is taller

With forecasts of 60 degrees for next week, my winter sabbatical will soon be over -- I'll leave this little nest I've made on my couch in the den to return back to the classroom to 125 students to discuss such things as family values, interpersonal relationships and communication.(Having been housebound for these 9 -10 days -- I'm gonna need some lessons in communication myself!) There will be papers to grade, projects to launch and my regular routine to resume. It's been a time to relax, renew, refuel and reassess.

I've even had time to read two books -- John's Grishom's latest -- and another new book by Dr. Mark Sheehan a Denver cardiologist, "Healing Prayer on Holy Ground" which was authored from his years of watching God work in the lives of his patients. This book gave me something to "chew on" during my "cabin days".


    I want to share this excerpt from his book in which he quotes, Peter Kreeft -- Professor of Philosophy, Boston College.

I strongly suspect that if we saw all the difference even the tiniest of our prayers make, and all the people those little prayers were destined to affect, and all the consequences of those prayers down through the centuries, we would be so paralyzed with awe at the power of prayer that we would not be able to get up off our knees for the rest of our lives.

Love God, And above all, pray.    --- Mother Teresa.

Blizzard Day 5 - Busting Out

2011-02-05T21:04:00.001-06:00

Spring Thaw came today!!!! Today was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures above freezing and snow melting all over Green Country -- It gave people the courage to make a run for it and because there is a forecast of two more snows in the coming days with a possible accumulation of 8-12 inches total we all needed to bust out for a while.

Chad Sandridge and Kristina Reinsch's wedding gave us a reason to celebrate!


These four are really enjoying their coming out party!!!

Blizzard of 2011 -- Day 4

2011-02-04T16:34:00.004-06:00

OK -- so now I'm calling it a blizzard -- forget the snow holiday!!! Terry made it to the street yesterday -- only to have the snow cover his path with another 3-4 or maybe it's 40 inches --I don't know how much -- white is white!!! The neighborhood streets are a mess and even the main roads aren't that great.

We got as far as Wal-Mart and stocked up for the next few days of snow -- it was crazy busy -- but people were extremely patient and helpful. Folks in long lines, let others cut in line who only had one item. People stop to push other people's cars out of ruts -- nobody seems in a hurry -- everyone seemed glad to be out of the house.

Two young girls knocked on our door last night to ask Terry to give them a push -- they were from Bixby and had come into our neighborhood to feed the pet of a friend who wasn't able to make it home. He pushed them back down the street, they thanked him, blessed him and he stumbled back through the 2 foot drifts and ruts on our street.

We've done all the fun stuff like hot dogs and s'mores in the fireplace -- eaten up the last of the taco soup -- now my man is asking for apple pie -- I've tried to keep us lower calorie and nutritious -- now it's time for serious eatin'-- PIE and ICE CREAM!!!

Some folks have been stuck at their jobs since Monday -- sorry Letha -- they'd better be treating you well. I can imagine you're taking care of everybody there --Kristina and Chad we hope this weather cooperates and we have a heat wave before your wedding tomorrow -- I'm getting the rolls going for your little sandwiches as soon as I bake this pie!

Our friends Janet and John have frozen pipes in their attic and no hot water !!! --

The snow has drifted almost half way up the windows

Tonight's news was all about how to fight the stress of being indoors -- exercising, tackling projects you've been postponing, doing something creative and getting outdoors --

Cabin Fever is a real thing when the weather is like this -- but lookin' at the flip side --aren't we glad we have the "CABIN" to be inside of to stay toasty warm.

God, please take care of those who don't have electricity, warmth and enough food.

Snow Holiday

2011-02-03T08:31:00.065-06:00

Terry's quite a snow fan!!! Growing up in Denver and Colorado Springs -- he's often moaned and groaned that we never get enough of the white stuff. . . . WELL . . . this week has met his every need for a winter holiday! I feel like we're living that snow scene out of Dr. Zhivago!

Yep, it's just me and my man -- old snow bunnies nice and toasty inside --sitting in front of a roaring fire with temperatures of six degrees below outside.

It's interesting what staying indoors days on end will do to you . . .

>> All of a sudden you realize how very much you want fresh air -- but glad we aren't out in it. 'So thankful for warmth and electricity -- 'praying for those who don't have it

>>We play "chase the finch" to get that determined little critter out that somehow manages to wedge it's way into our garden room through the snow-drifted doggie door. Each time he can catch a a tiny slit in our den door, he makes it into the house and then begins the great chase to shoooo it outside! (relieves a little of the hum drum around here)

>>This is my chance to tackle all those projects I put off -- like sorting a truckload of receipts for income tax -- my office has never looked so clean!

>> I got this desire to cook comfort foods like cheesy garlic grits, and chicken taco soup, loads of hot cocoa and make some homemade bread. We made our traditional buckwheat cakes Tues. morning. (This tradition started with my mother -- Early in our marriage --whenever we would get "snowed-in" in Illinois -- we'd head to Mom and Dad's and have a breakfast of homemade buckwheat cakes and sausage.)

>>> I find myself glued to the tv for hours -- Every morning I tune in to see what the roads are like --don't know why -- since we can't make it down our street -- eyes are crossed from seeing that ribbon of school closings.

>>> It's fun to talk to old friends and see what their weather is and brag about our own snowfall. (My dear childhood friend in the St. Louis area and I compared the snows of our childhood in Illinois and remembered that seldom did they call off school -- that people just put chains on their car -- blankets in the backseat and kept up with life. It seemed like winters were more harsh)

Looks like we're going to have a few more days of this . . .I'm trying to avoid the urge to make cookies and all the sweet stuff and spending more time working out on my exerciser. . . want to get busy quilting a quilt top my grandmother pieced together . . . need to do some curriculum planning for our upcoming parenting class . . . I'd better grade some student's papers . . .

Terry's got plans, too . . he's got a scooping project going: His goal to make it to the mailbox today -- don't know why ---- the mailman can't make it down our street.

Almost there!

We live in a city that has diligent weather forecasters -- weeks ahead they track weather patterns promising us the "big one" of whatever weather is headed our way -- seldom is it as extreme as predicted. I have to admit that I've become cynical about these forecasts. I realize that these projections of what our weather could become does save lives and have to admit we have even signed up for these weather alerts to be texted to our cell phones.

It's beautiful outside -- yet with all this talk of Jet Streams, Fronts, Weather patterns, I'm still reminded that Our Father is still in charge of the weather --

He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ Job 37:6

He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes Psalm 147:16

lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding Psalm 148:8

This Our All- Time Favorite!

2011-01-27T20:51:00.002-06:00

2011-01-27T20:00:00.001-06:00

Trying out Mom's props for her photo session

Working on this pulling up thing . . .

Hey look, I'm standing!!!!

Milestones

2011-01-23T13:46:00.009-06:00

Last weekend we relived a milestone with Bethany and Mat -- on last Saturday it was a year since we got the phone call that they were expecting twin girls -- Long before their birth, we knew their names: Campbell Hope and Parker Grace . On Feb1 - we will reach the second milestone when we learned that Parker was at Home with Jesus.

We've come tosee Parker as -- our Grace-gift.

We felt the presence of God's grace in the delivery room on June 14.

We've experienced the gift of His grace as we enjoy these family times together knowing she's a part of our family circle.

These two little girls have touched our lives deeply -- and as we circled up in their kitchen last Saturday night before dinner, Bethany prayed and thanked God for what we've learned in this year and for the what He's given. It's been a year rich with blessing and believing and a year touched by loss and testing-- it's been a year of Hope and Grace.

I was touched many years ago by what I heard one of my Bible teachers at David Lipscomb say, "The longer I live and the more of my people who are in Heaven -- the nearer and sweeter it becomes." -- For me, it's like after a while, there's a whole lot more of me there.

Here's What 38 Years of Marriage Will Get Ya' . . .

2011-01-16T18:38:00.007-06:00

I'm pretty good at saying da, da, da, da

It has been a treasured weekend of cuddling, reading books and sharing. Terry and I will celebrate 38 years of marriage on Thursday -- and it seemed the perfect way to enjoy the occasion!!! Campbell Hope has changed so much since Christmas and we've had a ball catching up with her and of course, her mommy and Daddy!

Did they tell you I just turned 7 months?

Pappa's always got a new game!

Harley wants in on the fun.

They say I look just like my momma at this age

Testing out my legs . . Mamma used to stand in Pappa's hands

I didn't want to nap in my crib, so Nana had a better idea.

I got a feeling this pictures gonna end up in a frame on Nana's desk

naps over . . ..

time to cuddle!

Looks like Pappa needs some help with his spelling. . . . hmmmm

Then I headed to a birthday party with my daddy.