Little Miss Independent!!!

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

I can brush them myself --

These Boots Are Made for Walkin. . .

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

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

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 . . .

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

On the Move!!!

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!!!

Moving on UP

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

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 ~ 

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

   

"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!!!

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

 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!

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!

MOM

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.