ANGELS ON DUTY

Do you believe in angels? I do more so today than yesterday. I have often felt the presence of someone or something at different difficult times in my life, but yesterday I became a firm believer in guardian angels.My little grandson Landen,had a close call yesterday at home. He proceeded to pull all of the drawers out on his mothers dresser in her bedroom. Now the TV and several picture frames and lamp were all sitting on this dresser at the time. Well the dresser became top heavy and fell on our little Landen.The television bounced off the bed and onto the floor, the glass frames and things all shattered and the edge of the dresser came to rest on the edge of the bed. Landen was trapped under it all but his guardian angel had made a little spot between the drawers for him to be safe. After much screaming and tears and panic his mommy and brother were able to get it picked up off of him to discover that he was unscathed by it all.Do angels exist? Yes, they do and I am one grateful Nana for them! I just hope that they have java in heaven because I am certain they will need the extra energy for this one!

SHOVELS

Yesterday, my brother Mike and my nephew Curtis came over to help me install an underground sprinkler system. My job was to run a shovel! I can do this I announced,silly remark!Anyway, the morning progressed well and fast, shoveling seems to help the time go quickly. By noon my sister-in-law Tina and niece Ashley came to help out. Yea! Terri is to pooped to pop at this point and we are only half way there.It is now 100 degress outside and the yard seems to have grown in size or maybe I am getting a little tired.The boys did an excellent job and my yard is being watered as I sit here and type. Tina and Ashley were troopers and manned shovels with me. I am pretty sure that ditch digging is not on my agenda for awhile.Ed arrived home from work and afford a back rub after watching me limp and moan.It had to stop,the pain was more than I cared for. Hopefully I will be able to move freely today.Thank you Mike,Curty,Tina,Ashley for all that you did for me yesterday. You guys are the greatest and I will never know how to repay the kindness.

Once again it is 4:30 in the morning and here I sit with computer and a cup of coffee. One would think I would be exhausted after a day with our four grandchildren but they seem to be the only ones snoring this morning! Grandpa and I had them yesterday all to ourselves. We played outside, made a trip to the zoo, stopped for ice cream and topped off the day with a ride in the firetruck with Grandpa at the wheel. Zeke screamed as we climbed in the truck , but it wasn't long he was giggling like everyone else.Grandpa blew the air horn and opened his mouth at the same time as if it was coming from him. The kids cracked up and so did I. Honestly, there are times that would be a possibility with him!

After bathes and chocolate milk, everyone crashed early. Today I think we may work in the garden and from there not sure.The two boys I will have to get back to Salina at some point. It is always fun to have all of them, but I am tired after all the fun and the house is quiet again.

You know , when my kids were little , those sticky hand prints everywhere were annoying, but now we tend to leave them for several days after they are gone as a reminder of our fun! I have a poem about oatmeal kisses and it sure is true. Love those kisses! Love those kids!

BELIEVE IT OR NOT!

Our daughter Alex had to be in Wichita this morning to start her therapy for the thyroid cancer. With much anticipation she arrived on time. The plane carrying her medication did not. Apparently it hit a goose and the windshield was broken and the plane was grounded. Her medication will arrive sometime later today.
I had sent her a text message this morning saying that I had been praying for peace in the turmoil.Little do we know when we pray that God is going to deliver the circumstance required to test out the prayer!
None the less, she is going to start therapy today at some point in time. Pray for a full recovery and yes for patience and peace in the storm.

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

This is a rainbow that my grandson Aidan made in school! I look at this and my heart soars because I know that my little A , has Jesus in his heart. I am collecting some of his art pictures and will be making a book on Shutterfly. If you haven't visited Shutterfly, they have fun ideas to create. Just wanted to share my rainbow! I hope that it brightens your day , like it does mine. There's no place like home, there's no place like home!

Coming Home

In Jeremiah 31:16-17 it says "But, I the Lord ,say to dry your tears. Someday your children will come home from the enemy's land. Then all you have done for them will be greatly rewarded. So don't lose hope . I, the Lord, have spoken."

When I read this passage , I was comforted by the words. I know that I can take these words and plant them in my heart and live for the promise to be fufilled. I know that Jesus will someday return all of my children to me. I know that someday He will hear their praises ! Thank you Lord Jesus for your comfort and peace.

MOM

This is a picture of my mom on one of our horses. It was taken a few months ago on a nice warm day when our family was altogether for the weekend. My mom has always loved horses and always wanted one. She now comes to our house and will spend time sitting on the porch just watching them graze. This particular day the kids were wanting to ride so we saddled up Danny. Each one had taken their turn when Mom announced that she wanted to ride also.

Ed and Sean helped her up into the saddle and off they went. I do believe that she made more noise than any of the kids! Her excitement was contagious! She begged for more just as loudly as the others and she had her share of rides. It was a great day and I will always cherish the moments that she giggled as a little girl would do.

My mom is aging and with that she is showing signs of dementia. The day will come she will not remember the horse ride, but I will. I love you, Mom. It breaks my heart to see you lost and alone in your own little world. Thank you for your love and for the memories you have shared.

IT IS FUN TO PLAY HOOKY!

Yesterday, I took a vacation day from work to be at home for the arrival of Ed's Dad from Ks. City. He is in his 80's , he is only 5ft tall seriously, but he drives like a mad man.They left Ks.City at 7:oo am and called us from Marion at 8:00 am.Whoo! Thank goodness the highway patrol was still sleeping, I am thinking!Any how they arrived safely and our day began.
Ed and his Dad are so much alike it scares me. Well into our second pot of coffee there was a knock at our door and to my surprise there stood Alex!!! She had come to see Grandpa and to see our new home. This is the first time for years that she has entered our home!
The whole day was wonderful and a true blessing from God. We talked and laughed , we had lunch together and made final plans for her surgery on Wednesday.I can't even begin to express my feelings as I watched her with her Dad and Grandpa. God is Good and He lives in my house!
Thank you for your prayers and I ask for them to continue through her recovery.

Easter Fun!

I had a wonderful Easter weekend. It looked like all would be dreary and raining, but instead God gave us many blessings. Ed had to work, and I had planned a cook out on Sunday evening with the kids. But Mother Nature changed my plans. Crockpots were filled with chili and chicken noodles in place of the hamburgers and hotdogs.
Just like the weather man had said the rain came and our road turned to slush. I was beginning to wonder if a canoe would be needed. After calling the kids and warning them of the mud, they all laughed at my worrying and informed me , all would be well! And it was.
A cousin from Oklahoma called and said they were passing by and wanted to stop. So we had an unexpected but exciting reunion! Why do we always wait until tragedy strikes before we get together as families? It is so much more fun to visit just for the heck of it! I sure hope that we can get together again soon. There is never enough time to say everything.
My mom and a friend arrived to enjoy the confusion going on in the house. Kids were playing and adults were laughing and sharing. It was great! Ed arrived home to be greeted by four little squirts ready to wrestle with Grandpa. He slept well last night!
As I said we a beautiful day in spite of the rain. Things just can't get any better when you are surrounded by your family and friends! I have learned one thing for certain," When I am with my family , I have everything!"

UPDATE ON JOSIE

Just letting all of you know that little Josie returned to school yesterday. She had her surgery and all is well for right now. My little Aidan explained to me that Josie was popular like the president, she had body guards and people everywhere touching her! I believe he was miffed about her popularity!
But once again, our Heavenly Father has granted us peace and joy in the return of Josie to her family and classmates. He is an awesome God!

IT'S BEAUTIFUL !

Yesterday, our two grandchildren Falyn and Zeke were spending the afternoon and night with us. They love to help at what ever it is you are doing, so do my two little guys from Salina! Any way I had a vanity chair that needed a new cover on it. So Falyn and Nana set off to recover the chair. She was in charge of holding the screwdriver and plugging her ears when I used the staple gun! After a few stretches and tucks the chair looks brand new. And Falyn is showing anyone that is interested her masterpiece! I love doing things with my grand babies. They certainly help me to see things through different eyes.

That leads me to, how much better would the world be if we all chose to see others through God's eyes. Our earthly eyes tend to deceive us with our rose colored glasses. But when I look at others with a heart like my Fathers, I see a different person. It is true that you cannot judge a book by it's cover, and people are the same. I would wonder what people think of me sometimes while sporting my sassy attitude or my tongue of fire. I am sure they would rather turn and run.

But fortunately my Heavenly Father has taught me a lesson that I choose not to learn again.During some periods in my life , when I thought that I was the only one that was worth having around, He let me see people close to me through His glasses. I think I like His glasses better than mine!

Even when life allows us a few tucks and staples to look better on the outside, only what is on the inside counts in the long haul. We never know what another is going through until we have walked a few miles in their shoes or took the time to see them through perfect eyes!

GIRLS DAY IN KS CITY

This past Saturday, my two girls and I met up with a niece and aunt in Ks. City. The day started at 5 am so we could be on the road by 6. Then a 3 hr. drive to the city. I am an early bird , so this didn't bother me much. We hit the road running upon our arrival. Now I had not planned on spending much. But with 4 grandchildren and 2 adopted grandchildren , it is hard to not spend! We hit all of the little kids clothing stores and it was fun.
After much shopping , we turned to buying flowers for my nieces upcoming wedding.I get the honor of making her flowers! I love doing this and I pray that I can give her what she is wanting! The wedding will be in October in a rustic chapel in the mountains of Colorado. I can hardly wait!
The five of us got into a discussion about religion. It is now my quest to write something for my girls to read and hopefully follow. So pray that God will give me the words to speak and to write.I want them to understand the depth of His love and His forgivness. I want them to feel His presence in their lives and to know the peace and joy of loving Him!
Our trip was great and I hope to go again with my girls. In the mean time it is back to work so I can afford it!

BARE IN THE WOODS

Sunday was such a nice day to be outside working in the yard. The only problem my yard is a forest more or less! We have plenty of trees to contend with and last year God delivered an ice storm. What was once upright is now a mass of limbs covering the ground.
The sun was shining and I in all of my wisdom chose to wear shorts. In and out of the trees and weeds I worked. Three hours of hard labor and this morning I received my reward.As I put on my slippers I discovered that my legs are covered in what appears to be poison ivy or oak. It is ugly to say the least.
Bears live in the woods, but bare legs don't belong there! So much for helping out. Maybe I should have asked for some advice before I tried to do this on my own. I seem to have a knack for stubbornness.
1 Timothy 2:11 says " A woman should learn in quietness and full submission."
I didn't sit quietly and ask for advice, and I didn't feel like submitting to anyones words. So today I pay the price with ugly welts on my legs.
I think that I will be a little more open to words of wisdom , like just leave it and I will get to it sooner or later,(Ed). But I will also spend more quiet time and ponder over God's word. He is the master and the teacher.

SORROW WILL TURN TO JOY

March has arrived and I find myself glad that February is gone. Two years ago on February 4th my Dad passed away after a long battle. Now my friend Charlotte is suffering through the same with her Dad. Joe is in his final days and Charlotte has a broken heart. I can truely understand the turmoil that you go through as you stand helplessly by. She told me this morning that she had picked up a bible in the chapel at the hospital and it fell open to John 16. In verse 16 she read " In a little while you will see me no more and then after a little while you will see me again."
She asked if I thought God was speaking to her about Joe. I told her He was just letting her know that this was just the beginning for her Daddy. His sorrow will be turning to joy soon! Amen! Thank you Lord for your comfort and your loving words.
It is so true,if we only allow Jesus to minister to us , he will in the most unusal ways.God loves us with a vengence, and He desires to tenderly hold us in our storms. I have felt His love in the words of a song, or a hug from a friend. His love has come to me in the form of a rose from a stranger on Valentines Day.Just this morning as I looked out across the pasture at our horses, two of them were tenderly grooming each other. The sun was just rising and the scene was quite and beautiful.
Thank you Jesus for stroking my heart and showing me love like you do. Be with my friend Charlotte, stroke her heart also, Jesus. Take Joe gently by the hand and lead him home, release him from this broken body. Thank you Heavenly Father for giving us the memories to cherish until we meet again!

It's Supper Tonight!

I have invited my son and his family to come for supper tonight. It won't be anything special, I just want to spend time with them. I called Chauncey last night and invited them for Lasagna and with the promise I would pick up the kids at daycare. She jumped right on that one!
Now my daughter Heather, would want to know are you fixing it from scratch or is it frozen? I usually try to lie about it and pass it off as homemade , but it unless I do a good job of hiding the box and getting it placed in a nice glass pan, she figures out my laziness! Chauncey on the other hand has never complained about my frozen entrees!
If you have not tried the frozen lasagna that you can get at the store , you should try it. It is really good for a quick and easy meal.What is that sound? Heather? Is that you laughing at this little story of mine? I will surely get a comment on this one!
Any way , 5:00 can't come soon enough. The two little ones, will help me feed the horses and I am sure we will play in Grandpa's big pile of sand before we go in. Yes , it will be fun. I have a new scrapbook toy to show to Chauncey, so maybe we can have a little time with each other also. Heather, my lack of enthusiasm in the kitchen is all due to laziness. I can cook when I choose to. But for now I would rather play with my babies.
Next month, I will have my two Salina boys for two nights! I can hardly wait! I promise to stock up on shampoo! Love ya Sis! I just love to hear you squeal! Love you too Chauncey. Do I agitate you too? Just wait until the GG syndrome sets in!

THINGS ABOUT ME YOU MAY NOT WANT TO KNOW!

1. I love cowboy boots and would have a closet full if my hubby would allow it!
2. My hair is my passion, I color and cut it frequently and have had some bad accidents with the whole scene. I guess as long as it doesn't fall out , I will be ok.
3.I skipped class one day during my junior year. Seven of us left town and went to our neighboring city, nine miles away, but was promptly seen by the PE teacher. I believe he may have been skipping school also, but none the less , we still had to pay the price of freedom.Never did that again, after Dad had his say!
4. My best friend and I were smoking before school one morning and caught the trash can on fire in her parents home. That is not a smell that you can easily get rid of!
5. I had three grandmothers. Two of them taught me cooking skills. One taught me how to cook quite the spread. The other taught me how to burn even a pan of water. My third grandmother had a passion for her hair also. It was always bright red, maybe that is where my little quirk came from!
6. I was named after the red headed grandmother only to find out after her death, that her name was not May, but was Victoria. Way off dad, he tried!
7. My first car was a simca, straight from the local junk yard. Dad brought it home and proudly gave it to me . It looked like a green pea on wheels. It had a three speed on the column, with no reverse, and the right back door was broken. So when necessary to ditch a friend you just placed them near that door and made a sharp turn. It got me into a lot of trouble.
8. Growing up we had a pet crow that Dad brought home. He seemed to bring home the strangest things. It learned to talk and followed us to school often. I was so embarrassed.
9.I have always thought of myself as easy going but apparently not so. Mom caught me on film when I was 5 and my brother was 2, sweeping the sidewalk and well He was in my way. With one swift swing I cracked the poor kid in the head. He brings that up every now and then!
10I flew to New York and walked a marathon and a half for Avon Breast Cancer Foundation. I did my own training , then took my two girls with me to meet a niece that lived in New York at the time. We had a wonderful time. At the finish line my daughters met me with flowers and as we were leaving a homeless woman was sitting on the curb alone. My heart told me to give her a rose, her tears and thankfulness will haunt me forever. I often wonder about her and I pray that God has delivered her from this burden.
11. I love my Eddie with all my heart and I want the world to know what a great husband he is. He takes wonderful care of me and loves our children with all of his heart.
12. My children and grandchildren hold the key to my heart and will forever! I love you.
13. I am head of our Ladies ministry at Faith Bible Church. This is a job that I take seriously. I pray that God will direct my every step to do His work according to His will.
14.My list could go on but I won't prolong this any longer!

MY CUP OVERFLOWS

It is almost 5:00 am and again I am awake! I have been using this time to read the Gospel Primer, which is blessing my heart.
After reading the portion about our cups of life's blessings that we are given everyday, my heart breaks when I am reminded of my ungrateful attitude from time to time.
Jesus, gives us new grace with each day. He gives us blessings to use each day. Do I look at my cup as being half full or half empty? I pray for strength to always view it as half full! If I were to receive the wrath each day , that I so deserve, I would collaspe from the weight of it all. Instead, I can view my cup and be thankful for the blessings that have been poured out upon me. Thank you , Jesus!
Philippians 4: 6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.And the peace of God,which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds , in Christ Jesus." How can I not look at my cup that is given to me each day, and not be blessed with it's contents?
Lord Jesus, give me the eyes to see you in every detail of my life. Thank you for the blessings that you have poured out before me. Thank you for the cup of living water that quenches my thirst. Father give me the opportunity to be a foot washer today. Help me to share the blessings in my life with those whom have not yet opened their hearts to you .Father, have mercy on my soul , that I may spend eternity in Heaven at your feet.
My Blessings:
Ed
Heather, Sean, Aidan, Landen
Zachary, Chauncey,Falyn, Zeke
Alex,Tracy
Mike, Tina,Bruce,Aly,Curtis, Kaci,Ashley,Lucas, Chris, Lliam,Lindsey,Rodger,Sherry
My friends, my coworkers, my church family
To each of you , I am thankful for your love and the memories that we have been given.

ALL IN A DAYS WORK

Well it is Monday, and I have taken a vacation day to spend time with my man. Our schedules are so crazy or I should say his schedule is so crazy , that I am required to take vacation days just to be with him. I am not complaining, I love to spend time with my Ed. We have spent the morning with our horses. And this afternoon we go to the vet with Tripp. Ed is worried sick over his horse, so pray that all is well.
This past weekend we went to visit some friends. They are in the process of buying a home and doing some remodeling. Ed and I have promised to help. We are looking forward to this venture.Brian and Misty , I believe are ready to throw in the towel! It is very difficult to pick and choose colors and such and still be speaking at the end! I know,we just built a house and it is a trial for any marriage!
My family and Mike's family met in McPherson last night and celebrated Mom's 77th birthday. It was so cool to have everyone there. My four grandbabies kept us all laughing and busy. Aidan and Landen fell in love with my nephews girlfriend, Alisha! Her ears are probably still ringing from all of their stories! Curtis and Zeke always hit it off. Curtis seems to be ready for little ones of his own. Hint Curty!
God has greatly blessed Ed and I. We have so many children and friends to love and be with , it is hard on my heart when I let myself think about it. I hope that everyone will be as blessed as we are, where family and friends are concerned.
While we were with Brian and Misty this past weekend, I had the chance to spend extra time with little Addison. She is three and loves horses, so much like our little Falyn! I want to let the two girls spend time together and have fun. It will be fun for me to just watch them interact! It has been an excellent weekend and I am sorry that it goes so quickly. But I will simply tuck the memories into my heart and get on with the new day. By the way, I have received the copy of the Gospel Primer. This is an awesome book.I am planning on buying several and giving them away. Thanks for the book, Amy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM I LOVE YOU!

The valentine story was written several years ago. My mom is still living and doing fairly well. Her memory is getting worse but then so is mine.As a young girl, my mom would sit and listen to me cry and rant over everyday trials. She would simply hug me and then send me on my way to figure it all out. It is now my turn to listen to her and help her figure out life. Since dad passed away , she is so lonely and lost. Many days she will come to the clinic where I work and just sit for a while.
So much of the time she is lost in time. Her events of a few moments ago are easily forgotten. And events of the past can cause confusion. But we sit together and she will just watch as I go about my work. I know that the day is fast approaching and I will miss those moments together.
Yu that still have a parent still living, please take the time to enjoy them. If there is a problem to be fixed then by golly go fix it. Time gets away far to quickly. Mike , my brother and I have been so lucky to have our families close to each other. We have had many memories made over the years with parents, grandparents and now grandchildren.
I don't know what Jesus has in the makings for us this year, but whatever He brings to us , we will stand in faith and believe in His promises. Mom? She will always be welcome to sit in my chair and watch. She can ask all the questions she can remember and I will answer softly. Thank you Mom, for your love and dedication to our family. You are truly a Titus 2 Woman. I have learned so much from you. Your birthday is just a few days away. We will have a big celebration and look forward to next year. You make a great Valentine present to your children and grandchildren and we love you.

My Valentine Girl

Valentines Day is very special to me. When I was a little girl, it was all about the Valentine cards. Who would give me a card? Would I get a lot of them? It was always fun in school to make cards for everyone in the classroom. We would cut and paste and use enough glitter to cover the wings of a dozen angels. Ahh, the anticipation.
Then as a teenager it took on a different meaning. Now it was all about that special guy in your life. You always hoped that he could afford to at least buy chocolates. But if you were in between boyfriends or if you were not the prettiest and didn’t have a boyfriend, well that was a whole new area. Valentines day could be painful.
Now as an adult, I have come to realize that Valentines Day is all about my Mother. Her birthday falls on Valentines Day. As a child, that bit of information wasn’t important. I could only see my own desires. With some years gone by and hopefully some gained wisdom, I see how wonderful the day really is. Mom, is seventy-five now. She prefers to forget the birthday part of it. But I have discovered that she mails out cards to family and friends, as her own personal celebration of the day. I know that the day will come we will miss receiving those cards.For right now, Happy Valentines Day, Mom! I love you! Happy Birthday also! Thank-you for all the years that I forgot or was too selfish to give to you, and you loved me anyway. You are the greatest Valentine gift, ever.