Friday, December 31, 2010

Ice Skating

     Sydney and Bella at the new ice skating arena here in our town. It's very nice and they did a good job skating! We rented skates but they're hoping to have their own someday. 
This is an action shot! When we arrived there were lots of people skating but near the end it really thinned out. We'll definitely go again!
Lord, thank You for all the fun activities for our grandchildren. Thank You for our grandchildren!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Paint by Number

We gave all the kids paint by number sets so they'd have a project to work on all week. Each one is different. They're quite complicated, more then I thought, when I bought them. I  helped Armon get his started and I'll have to help with his all along. It's going to take all week and then some time.  I hope they have enough patience to finish them. 
Lord, thank You for our grandchildren. Help me to have patience with them and help them to have patience with me. Thank You for the time we have together. Help us to have fun and to learn from each other.
Bella, Sydney, Haleigh, & Elmise.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Advent

The last candle, in the middle, was lit yesterday, Christmas Day, and today, Sunday, during dinner.
Luke 2:11 &12 
Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Elmise

Our beautiful Elmise! She just had her hair braided today! What a bright smile! Our good friend, Magdala did the work. She did a really good job!
Thank You, Lord, for Elmise and for Madgala!

Only a Few More

Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus beside a well. Water flows from the well! Pam found this unique nativity set and gave to me.
 This wall hanging was hand stitched by someone in my favorite Southeastern Asian People Group - Hmong - originally from Laos. I worked with the relatives of this fine seamtress. They made these and sold as a means of making some money. I love this and I love the Hmong People.
One of the first sets I bought! This is pure white ceramic. I ordered a set for each of my children and some for friends as well. I gave Pam one that is a golden brown or bronze. It's beautiful.







I really can't tell you where I got 
this little set. It's precious.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Fourth Sunday of Advent

The fourth and last Sunday of Advent. 
LOVE
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. I John 4:16b
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves His Child as well. I John 5:1



The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell, 
It goes beyond the highest star and reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win:
His erring child He reconciled and pardoned from his sin.

When years shall pass away and earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray, on rocks and hills and mountains call,
God's love so sure shall still endure, All measureless and strong:
Redeeming grace to Adam's race- The saints' and angels' song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill and were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry,
Nor could the scroll contain the whole tho stretched from sky to sky.

Chorus:
O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure- The saints' and angels' song.

Children's Bell Choir


This is the largest bell choir we've had! In this first picture they're just getting lined up. Elmise is the fifth child or the third girl in the front row. She has a pretty red flower in her hair!
Here they are ringing their bells. Elmise is right in the middle of this first row.
They are all concentrating to make sure they ring their own bell at the right time. Armon is the first boy in the second row.
A view of the choir from the back as I went back to my seat. Elmise is in front, I can't see Armon. I'm sorry I can't remember what Christmas song they were playing but I can tell you it was very good!
     Thank You, Heavenly Father, for these beautiful little children. Watch over each one of them as they're growing up. Please keep Your Hand upon each of them. Thank You for the beautiful music they made today as a bell choir.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Five Years Ago Today

   Five years ago today my daddy went to heaven. I was there, which had to have been planned by the Lord.
   I was talking to my brother, Richard, on the phone. He said he was going to go out to Washington to visit our parents because Dad wasn't doing well. I decided right then I was going too.
   I took the train. When I arrived I really couldn't see any change in Dad. Richard and I both decided we'd go home on Monday knowing we'd both be back soon.
   Sunday morning I went to see Dad in the nursing home before I went to church. He was so alert and so happy to see me! 
   I pushed him home to their apartment instead of going to church. Mother was surprised! Richard joined us. We had a wonderful morning of visiting, reminiscing, looking at Christmas cards, just having a nice family time. In just four days he would have his 96th birthday!
   We took him back to his room at lunch time telling him we'd be back in the afternoon. 
   Well, when we went back about two and a half hours later, he wasn't the same. I don't even know if he knew us. 
   Later that night Mother called and told Richard and me that Dad was gone... 
   What a wonderful morning the Lord gave to us. Five years ago today. Someday I'll see him again.
   Heavenly Father, I love you. Thank You for Dad. Thank You for the wonderful Christian heritage he gave me. 

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Getting Old?

   Well, here we are. In our 70's. Jerry and I are slowing down... I can't believe it!
   Last night we hired a man to come and plow out our driveway whenever we have a snowstorm. We did??? Yes, we did. 
   Jerry was plowing us out on Sunday after the big snowfall on Saturday night and Sunday, just as he's done all these many years. It's even something he enjoyed doing! We have a very long driveway, in fact, it's a semi circle drive. 
   The tractor is also getting old! It couldn't do the whole job. It was too cold for Jerry to fix it right then and it still isn't fixed yet. 
   Rob knew of a man who does driveways. So he called him for us. He goes to our church. He did a really good job yesterday and for not too many $$!
   So, between Jerry and the tractor, both are getting too old for such work... Now, let it snow...we'll be plowed out with no problems!
   Thank You, Heavenly Father, for friends who are able and willing to help out when the aging process catches up with us. Help us to know when to give in to certain jobs and to be willing to turn them over to the younger folks. I thank You for the good life You've given us.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

More Nativity Sets

Jesus loves the Native Americans... Remember if you click on the pictures they'll enlarge so you can see details.


This set is in the bathroom.

An unusual, interesting set! Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus are in the bubble. Tip it over...it will snow! Magi are arriving on a horse, a camel, an elephant!

The front set is Spanish. This is a shelf, in my kitchen, by the sink.

This glass set is in my kitchen, on a shelf, on the other side of the sink. I love Mr & Mrs Santa Claus kissing!

I love this wall hanging! It was a gift from Pam and Gene. It's supposed to be used on a dresser or a buffet. I can't imagine setting something on it. I have it on a board with a navy blue background hanging on the wall!
I praise You, Jesus!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Advent

The third week of Advent. 
Joy             
Nehemiah 8:10 The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Joy to the world, the Lord has come. 
Let earth receive her King; 
Let every heart Prepare Him room
And heav'n and nature sing,
 And heav'n and nature sing, 
And heav'n and heav'n and nature sing.
                                           George F. Handel

Journal

     So much has been going on, I just need to take a minute to write.
     It's bitter cold out today and a good day to just stay home. But Jerry has to go out to work on the tractor and finish plowing our driveway. It's windy and that adds to the bitterness of the weather. 
     Yesterday we woke up to a Christmas card kind of a day! I missed a photo op. I just wasn't awake enough when I got up and that's when it was so beautiful... 
     We had our grandchildren, from next door, for the morning and part of the afternoon. We had planned on going to church, as usual. But we began hearing about accidents caused by the snow and icy roads. Living in the country made us think twice about driving into town, so with the responsibility of having three grandchildren with us, we decided to play it safe and stay home. 
     The snow was perfect packing snow! The kids and I went out to play! Results of our fun are on the last post here on my blog. 
     For some reason Charter had problems yesterday so we had no internet and no television from about nine o'clock AM to nine o'clock PM! That was difficult...we're so used to it. I had a hard time not becoming resentful of Charter! The kids were good though and played games.
     After the kids left Jerry and I watched some video's, read, played Skip-Bo, talked!, and went to bed early! He missed football! 
     Missing church made it seem like any other day of the week, and that was sad. We did light the advent candles (almost forgot). The kids reminded me! 
     Yesterday, at church, there were folks baptized. 
I'm sorry to have missed this. I only know of two boys, brothers, who took this step in their lives, but I think there were more. Hopefully, I hear about more later. 
     Last week Jerry and I were privileged to deliver, along with friend, Donna, groceries and cash to a family in our church who are struggling with the lack of a job and a shortage of cash. This need was made known to the Young at Heart class and to our small group...the back end of our van was full of groceries! There were over $300 given. I don't even know the full amount... When a need is known folks are more then willing help out! This family was so grateful! 
     I had a mammogram...was called back in for an ultrasound...watched the screen...saw the spot. That was scary. Finally I got a report with results of the ultrasound. It was a lymph node...benign. Oh, thank You, Lord!     
     Thank You for being my Heavenly Father. I don't know how I would cope with life without You. You make life worth living. I praise You because of Who You Are!
     

Mr. Snowman

The snow  was perfect packing snow! We had fun making Mr. Snowman. Then the kids laid down and made angels. We went in with cold feet and running noses, but it sure was fun! 
 Armon making an angel.
 Elmise making her angel.

Mr Snowman being kissed by two happy girls! Armon was a big helper in making the snowman. We used a real carrot for his nose and red licorice for his mouth.                                


Haleigh making her angel. 
Hot chocolate sure tasted good and warmed us up when we went in.
Lord, thank You for fun times. Thank You for snow and grand kids.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Nativity Collection

Eskimo's
Jesus came for every nation and people. 
I have more sets for another day. Be sure to click on the pictures to see the details up close.

 This set gets the place of honor. Don't ask why...I just love it! The candle lights going around with the gold tinsel light up.
This set was given to me by our former neighbors. They are pure white and the detail in each one is incredible.
 These three sets represent three time periods: left: before the birth of Jesus, on the way to Bethlehem; center: after the birth, Jesus is lying in the manger; right: Jesus sitting on Mary's lap as a toddler when the wise men came to visit.
We bought this set in Bethlehem. It's made of Olive Wood. It's very precious to me.
 This set is of authentic dress. It was made by the Ceramic Club of Warm Beach, where my parents used to live.
Three sets of wise men or magi. The tall ones are pure white; the little Mexicans are so sweet; the gold ones are very rich magi. 


Heavenly Father, I praise You for the birth of Jesus. Help me to worship Him not my nativity sets. 

Happy Birthday December 10

Happy Birthday, Christy! My, how the years just keep moving by. I remember the day you were born, a lot of years ago! And just look at you now! I love this picture of you! Life is very busy for you, with five children and three of them being teenagers! The years are flying by. I do hope your family gives you a super day today! I love you and wish you a very happy birthday!
Lord, thank You for Christy! She's a very busy loving wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend. Please be with her in these days of raising her family. Keep her safe as she drives the kids here and there. Please keep her marriage to Sean close, faithful and loving. Thank You for them all and especially for Christy. I love her so much and You love her even more.

Thursday, December 09, 2010

I hung our stockings going up the spiral staircase! I love decorating even though it's a huge job.

Lord, help me to keep you first in my decorating. Jesus is the reason for the season.

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Happy Birthday December 8

     Happy Birthday, Rob! It's hard for me to imagine my youngest child as old as you are! 38...no, you can't be...! Okay, I just did the math. I'm very proud of you, Rob. You and Jessica have taken on a huge task, adding two to your family of four. Adopting two siblings from Haiti is an undertaking many folks just couldn't do...but you are! The earthquake in Haiti has hurried up the process, and now as soon as the judge signs the papers, they'll be legally Archer's. I can't wait... I'm amazed at the patience you have. I love you, Rob. Happy, happy birthday.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Rob. Please, keep him near you. Protect him in his job. Give him patience and love as a dad. Bless his and Jessica's marriage...protect it. I love him so much and You love him even more.

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Found!

     This is one of my favorite pictures! It took me a while to find it, because it's old.
     My friend, Leon, is playing his trumpet in our worship service, something he did often. Aaron, the cute little boy with the angelic smile is Leon's oldest son. He's escorting his dad! Mom, Wendy, is in the congregation with baby Amy. (Click on the picture to see his angelic smile!)
     Now, Aaron was a good little boy but wiggled a little, so to help his mom out, he went with dad up on the platform! He got a whole different view of the congregation from up there. I didn't see any wiggles from him!
     Today, Aaron is a newly married man!
Heavenly Father, bless Aaron on this day and in his new marriage. Keep him close to you. Thank You for Aaron's life and for my privilege of knowing him.
     

Monday, December 06, 2010

2nd Week of Advent

Promise
The second Sunday of Advent is for the Promise the coming Messiah; the Promise of Eternal Life. God's Word is True. God's Promises are true.
I praise You, Heavenly Father, because Your Word is Truth, Your Promises are true.

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Happy Birthday December 1

Happy Birthday, Maddie! This picture of you, was taken last summer when you came to my house to visit. We were all eating outside in the yard. Most of your cousins and aunts and uncles were here. It was a lot of fun. I can't believe you're four years old today! I remember when you were born, it was a really happy day for everyone! You're a very pretty little granddaughter and I love you! You're my youngest grandchild and since I have 15, that's an important fact! I love you, Maddie! Have a very Happy Birthday!
     Lord, thank You for Maddie! She's such a pretty, sweet, little girl. Please watch over her. Keep her safe and well as she grows up. Help her as she learns of  You, that she will always love You and obey You. I love her so much and You love her even more!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Advent

(I  started this yesterday, which was Sunday. I was interrupted and am now getting back to it on Monday.)
Today is the first Sunday of Advent! HOPE
What is our hope?
Our hope is in the historical Christ, God the Father’s only Son, Jesus. 
Our hope is in the living Christ.
Our hope is in the returning Christ.


Heavenly Father, I praise You because You are our Hope.

Nativity Collection

     I have  a bazillion Nativity sets in my collection. Here is the latest one I bought. It was after Christmas last year and I found it on sale for 75% off! It's a Terracotta Holy Family, by Russ Berrie, for those of you who know about such things. I really like it and think I found a bargain!




     This next one Tim and Shauna gave me for Christmas last year. It's a favorite of mine because it's from Thailand. I was there on three different occasions and couldn't find one. So when they went last year they found this one. I love it, also, because it's the only set I have where Mary is holding Baby Jesus! He's in a manger in every other set! 
     This is Mengrai high fired stoneware. Celadon is the commonly accepted name and is believed to have been developed in China over 2000 years ago! I'd better take good care of this set! It's really beautiful but this picture doesn't do it justice at all. You'll have to come and visit me!
     I have many many more sets and may show some of them later.
Heavenly Father I praise You for Jesus. Thank You for my Nativity Set collection, but help me to keep my focus on You, not on man made sets representing the birth of Your Son. Let them simply be a reminder that Jesus is the reason for the season.







Sunday, November 28, 2010

Decorating

Tree taken with flash...
the beautiful lights don't show.
But it's not blurry...
     I'm decorating for Christmas. It's a little early for me but we had company for Thanksgiving so we had help getting the Christmas things out. Ted helped Jerry get the Christmas tree out of the pole barn. That's a big job. We've had real trees until about three years ago. We love real trees but it was getting too much for us, in our old age! Serious! So when we saw an artificial tree at a yard sale, we bought it. We've never been sorry! It's about seven feet tall and has fiber optic, twinkling lights of all colors! It's beautiful! I've tried and tried to get a picture of it, using different settings, but with these lights it turns out blurry every time. At least I'm blaming it on the lights! I set the camera on a solid surface so it's not me wiggling! 
     I have mainly angels on our tree, three snowflakes, and one little sheep, made my our former pastor's wife, Martha. I also have red balls and silver garlands.
     My grandchildren helped me get all the decorations out of our storage room. They love to do that! It's a huge job. I appreciate their help so much. 
     
Heavenly Father, I praise You for Jesus. Help us to worship Him and to keep Jesus in Christmas. Jesus is the Reason for the Season.
     

Friday, November 26, 2010

Journal

     It's time to stop and just write...
     Thanksgiving is over. Company is gone. The house is quiet. I'm still thankful! I have so many to be thankful for! I have so much to be thankful for! 
     My relationship with Jesus is #1.
     My loving husband, Jerry, is #2.
     My five children: Pam, Ted, Tim, Christy,  Rob.
     My children-in-law: Gene, Shauna, Sean, Jessica.
     My 15 grandchildren and one granddaughter-in-law: Andrew, Katie, Matthew, Kaleb, Tyler, Annie, Max, Haleigh, Miller, Megan, Sydney, Elmise, Isabella, Mason, Armon, & Madelyn.
     My mom, 96 1/2 years old, whose mind is so sharp!
     My siblings: Richard & Cookie, Lorraine, Bill & Vel.
     My very special nieces and nephews.
     All the rest of my wonderful relatives too numerous to mention.
     My wonderful friends, near and far, again too numerous to mention.
     My home: our dream home and all the comforts of home.
     My church: Pastor's Dave, Eric, & Scott with their families; my church family; the church building we worship God in; my small group; the doctrine and teachings of my denomination; and so much more.
     My health.
     My doctor.
     My computer.
     So many more blessings I can't count them. 
Heavenly Father, I praise You. You are the Master Designer, the Creator. You are Mercy and Grace, both of which I would be nothing without. You are Love.
     "How can I say thanks, for all the things, You have given me?" 
     
     

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Sleepover

We had a sleepover last night for the five grandchildren who were here for Thanksgiving.
Armon, Elmise, Bella all sleeping in the sun room.

Haleigh and Sydney slept in the reading room. We all watched movies before going to bed.
Thank You for my wonderful grandchildren! They keep me on my toes!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Haleigh

Haleigh, dressed as a Greek teenager, in her Latin class presentation to the grandparents. She was beautiful!
Lord, thank You for Haleigh. She's a beautiful girl and she did a beautiful job today in their Latin class presentation. Latin is a tough language, please help her to do well in her class.