Monday, March 30, 2009

Sydney and Isabella

Sydney and Bella in their matching outfits, except the colors of their shirts. We had a fun weekend. Come back again soon!
Thank You for the good times we have together. Please watch over Sydney and Isabella.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

A Busy Morning!

Bella is blowing an egg out so we can make some new eggs for the Easter Egg Tree. All three girls, plus myself, blew eggs. It's a big job!

Haleigh and Sydney baked a cake with the eggs that were blown out of the shells for the Easter Egg Tree. They did everything themselves. I wasn't allowed to help or even watch!

Ted is cutting this tree into logs.

Ted and Jerry worked together.
Lord, thank You for good times and memory making times.

Grandma's Restaurant

Three granddaughter's are here. So Grandma's restaurant opened up. Bella had waffles. Haleigh had toast and jelly. Sydney had soft boiled eggs on toast. I had cheerios with blue berries, and toast. Jerry and Ted went out for breakfast!
Lord, thank you for family and good times.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Hymn Sing

Last evening we went to the Community Hymn Sing. It was a very enjoyable time of praise and worship. 190 folks from many denominations gathered to sing and listen to the old hymns that we all love so much. I counted at least 24 from our own church. There was a variety of instruments and vocals plus congregational singing. I think I enjoyed The Holy City, sung by Lowell Tolly and accompanied by his brother, the most of all.
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. Praise the Lord with the harp, make music to Him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. Psalm 33:1-3

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Remembering

It was a week ago today that I took the train to Chicago, then flew to Denver with Pam, rented a car and drove (Pam drove) to where my mom lives. So much happened and it's actually taking a few days for me to process everything in my mind. I keep telling Jerry about more good times...this morning I told him about eating delicious buffalo burgers in the Denver International Airport, in a very nice restaurant, sitting at a bar on stools, looking at snow covered mountains, out a plate glass window! I'm not sure I worded that right so you get the picture...
Thank you, Lord, for the good times Pam and I had on our trip. Thank You for the beauty of the mountains.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Home & Spring

Home is so good. I arrived home about 11:00 Wednesday night. That's quite late for Jerry, but he survived! Yesterday I stayed home all day, ahhhhh, worked on newsletter; picked up four five gallon pails and one cardboard box of pine cones in the back yard! I had already cleared the yard of them last fall, but over the winter even more fell! Jerry is raking to get ready for mowing. Today is the first day of spring! We've got to be ready for summer! The temp. this morning is only 18 F! But spring is here...the calendar says so!
Lord, thank You for my home and especially for Jerry. Thank You for our four seasons, each one so unique. Help spring weather to come quickly and stay.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Being with Grandchildren

I took the train to Chicago. Grandson, Andrew, and his fiance, Katie, and myself in a restaurant for breakfast. They were there from South Carolina.

Katie and I had met before but through blogging, e-mails, and facebook we've become close friends. Katie has suddenly gone through a very sad time in her young life. We had no idea earlier we'd be together on this trip.

And this is my other grandson in Chicago, Matthew! We're in the car and he's covering his face with his sweatshirt, but take my word for it... he's a good looking guy, and a great grandson!
Lord, thank You for my grandchildren. Please be especially near Katie right now. Comfort her... I love them all and You love them even more!

Trip to Colorado

Pam and I flew from Chicago to Denver, rented a car, stayed at Bill's, visited there and with Mother, and had a great time together.

On St Patrick's Day some dancers came to the nursing home. They were really good.

The mountains were so beautiful. They told me this is Pike's Peak! Castle Rock is south of Denver but I never dreamed we'd be able to see Pike's Peak!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the good, safe time Pam and I had together. Thank You for this nursing home and for the good care they give my mom. Thank You for the beauty of the mountains.

Mother's Birthday Party

Here are pictures from Mother's 95th birthday party, Monday March 16. Mother is looking at her cake, wondering if she can blow out all the candles...we weren't allowed to light them!

Beautiful flowers given to Mother.

Mother, so pleased by all the attention!

Lisa and Grandma.

Pam and Grandma.

My oldest brother, Richard.

Our friends from many years ago: Anita, Janice, & Wayne. Janice and I were best friends in 8th 9th, & 10th grades in Des Moines, Iowa and her parents were good friends of my parents. Now they live near her in Colorado.

Mother's beautiful birthday cake. The only problem: the nursing home has a rule, no candles lit!

Folks are arriving: Justin, Pam, Janice, Mother, Bill, Vel.

Mother in her electric wheel chair, on her way to her party.

Lord, thank You for good times.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Happy Birthday!



Happy Birthday, Mother! 95 years, wow! You've had quite a long life. You and Dad, together, were such a good team. You've been a wonderful mother. I'm so glad Pam and I got to come and help you celebrate your birthday. I love you. Have a happy, happy birthday!

Dear Lord, thank You for my mom. Thank you for her good mind. Thank You for the years you've given her. Please bless her with Your Presence during these last days, months, years of her life, whatever she has left. You have perfect timing. She loves You and I love You. Please give her a good happy day today. I love her and You love her even more!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Just hangin out...

Pam and I are staying at Bill's and Vel's while we're here in Colorado. Picture #1 is Vel, my sister-in-law. #2 Justin, my great nephew.



#3 Bill, my brother; Lisa, niece; Doug, nephew by marriage. We were all watching the liftoff of the shuttle to the space station. #4 Pam is crocheting a baby blanket as we watch TV and visit and laugh, etc.
Lord, thank You for family and good times.





Sunday with Mother


Pam and I went to visit my mom, Pam's grandma, this afternoon. We just happened to get there as the worship service for the nursing home was starting. We all went to church, it was an excellent service for these folks. Here is Pam and Grandma singing a hymn with the rest of the residents. After the service we went back to her room and just visited for a couple of hours. It was so good to be with her.
Lord, thank You for my mom. Thank You for letting Pam and me come to visit her. Please give us a good day tomorrow on her birthday.

Friday, March 13, 2009

On My Way...

Okay, I'm almost on my way. We'll leave here about 4:45 AM tomorrow morning, Saturday, to go to the train in Flint. On to Chicago. A manicure Saturday evening with Pam! Then Sunday morning Pam and I will fly to Denver, rent a car and drive to where my mom lives. I'm so excited to see her again! I'm sure you can imagine. Monday is her birthday and a birthday party for her 95th birthday is in the works. I'm looking forward to also seeing my two brother's, at least one sister-in-law (one is in Arizona), a niece, nephew, and great-nephew. One of my best friends in high school, Janice, will also be there with her husband, Wayne. So it's going to be a fun time.

Heavenly Father, I Praise You because You are Sovereign. Forgive me when I'm filled with doubt and worry. Thank You for my mom. Thank You for giving her a good mind and a long life. Please be with her in these last few years of her life. Bless her with Your Presence. Please be with us as we gather in her honor. Help us to just enjoy being with her. Please keep any differences of opinion for another time, but not at her birthday party.

Monday, March 09, 2009

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Pam! Oh how the years go by! My first baby...you came two weeks early and only took two hours and 20 minutes to make your appearance! I hardly knew what was happening! You were so beautiful...and just look at you now...you're still beautiful! Have a happy, happy birthday! I love you.
Lord, thank You for Pam. She's a wonderful person, daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, wife, mother, friend... Please watch over her. Bless her with your presence. I love her and You love her even more!

Saturday, March 07, 2009

I'm Going!

Jerry and I will get up very early one week from today to drive to the train in Flint. I'll take the train to Chicago. Then Sunday morning Pam and I will fly to Denver. We'll stay with Bill (brother) and Vel. My mom's birthday is Monday, the party is from 12 to 2:00. It's not long but at 95, I guess two hours is long enough! I'll take my camera! Oh boy, I've got a lot to do before then...clean house, wash clothes, pack clothes, finish newsletter, print newsletter. Jerry has agreed to hand out the newsletter on Sunday morning. What a guy! I'll cook up some food for him before I go too, like I usually do when I leave him and go somewhere...usually to visit my mom.
Thank you, Lord, for showing me that I should go to help my mom celebrate her 95th birthday. Thank You for keeping her mind sharp. Please continue to help her. Thank You for her life.

Friday, March 06, 2009

Great Horned Owl

Today I was sitting in the sun room, talking to my big brother on the phone, when a huge bird flew into a tree very close by! An owl! He suddenly opened his wings and flew off out of my sight. We often hear them at night but this is only the second time we've had an owl in the day time, when we actually saw him! Richard laughed when I said how exciting it was to see it. It was a thrill.

Lord, I praise You because You are the Creator. Thank You for the special exciting sightings, we see once in a while, of nature at it's best!

What To Do?!

This is my favorite picture of my Mom. Her birthday is coming up...March 16. She'll be 95! My brother has planned a party for her on that day. I'd love to go. We were already planning a trip to visit her in April but, now we're thinking I should go now. Jerry doesn't want to go. Oh how I hate indecision. Actually I have to decide today! So...what to do?!

Heavenly Father, I praise You because You know all things. Please help me in making this decision. This means leaving Jerry alone again. Only You know how much longer I'll have my mom. I'm so thankful she is ready to go to heaven. Some how make it clear to me what I should do, please. Thank You.

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Oh my goodness!

A friend of mine, Naomi, gave me some keepsakes from a play that was put on in 1963, at Spring Arbor College. She was the student director, my brother, Richard, was the main actor. Reading through the program I see some other names I recognize. The name of the play? Silas Marner by George Eliot. If you were in this play, or had anything to do with it, please let me know, in a comment. No, you don't win a prize!!! It's just interesting to me. I was already married when this play was put on but Jerry and I drove down to Spring Arbor to see it. We didn't know Naomi back then, she moved to our town after she got married. I read Silas Marner when I was in 10th grade and I loved it, so of course we went to see it and especially since my big brother played Silas Marner. He's been in lots more plays since then.

Lord, thank You for the talents You give us. Thank You for friends.

Monday, March 02, 2009

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Marion! The years seem to go by so quickly. We've been sister's-in-law for almost 50 years already! It's hard to believe. Our
kids are grown and we both have lots of grand children. They are the joys of our lives! Life is not always easy but life is good. I wish for you a happy, happy birthday.
Lord, thank You for Marion. Please, keep Your Hand upon her. Bless her with Your Presence.

This was in fun???!!!

This is a bruise on Jerry's arm! He got it a couple of weeks ago and I wish I'd taken the picture right away, but I didn't. I waited a couple days and then decided to go ahead. Then I didn't post it because I didn't want to hurt the person's feelings who made the bruise! You see, it was a friend who was trying to be funny...she had no idea he would bruise like this...now we've all laughed about it so I'm free to post it. As she pinched him she asked if it was felt! She said her brother taught her that! Jerry is on blood thinner so he bruises very easily. Donna is a good friend and wouldn't hurt anyone intentionally. But she has now learned not to be so aggressive with older folks! It's fading now but is still visible.

Lord, thank You for friends and for fun. Help us to be sensitive and caring.

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Multi-tasking

Oh boy, I slept in this morning til after 8:00! I meant to get up at 6:00! I did wake up about 6:00 but I didn't get right up and fell back to sleep again. I had so much to do this morning... So I cooked breakfast and ate standing up, finished printing the newsletter, unloaded the dishwasher, put a load of clothes into the dryer, baked a cake, browned a roast and got it ready to put into the oven (as the cake came out), all at the same time! Whew!!! That's multi-tasking! Then I showered and got ready for church. We were actually at church in plenty of time for me to hand out the freshly printed newsletters!
Thank You, Lord, for helping me this morning to get everything done that I needed to do. I guess I must have needed those extra two hours of sleep. Thank You for the wonderful sermon we heard this morning on Living in the Presence of God.