Special Routines

I remember when I'd visit my parents and I used to chuckle at their "routines" that they enjoyed so much. Especially the ones in the evening before they headed to bed. It was such a special time in their lives and it was fun to see them do these different things together. For us "hot chocolate at bedtime" has become a daily item. I don't know when it started but it has become part of our evenings and I love it! BTW...Bill makes really good hot chocolate!!

Speculatin' on Kentucky!

Tonight, after working I came home to candlelights, wine and beautiful music (Michael Utley and the Coral Reefers Band which played for Jimmy Buffett). Bill has blessed me with so many wonderful moments like this through our years together. The horse on our table was bought in Lexington, KY and reminds us of where we are headed. Our home is back on the market after some work that needed to be done and we are now looking forward to a good offer and then our move back to Kentucky. Our prayer is for everything to be smooth and uneventful. God has truly blessed us...

A Warm Fire...

Yesterday was a cold and windy day here in Raleigh...which in my head means it's time to build a fire!! One of my favorite things about winter is building a fire to cozy up to and either read or watch a good movie. I remember when my mom was living she'd have a fire going pretty much all day long during the winters in Oklahoma. Anyway, we are trying to get all the use out of this fireplace before we move on to Kentucky...

Alexandria

She turns 16 today! I remember holding her as a newborn and the joy I felt. Our first daughter giving birth to our first grandchild...priceless. Anyway, Alex is one of a kind...she's a trendsetter, she makes us laugh, she's very artistic and creative like her dad and she loves the Lord. It has been a joy to watch her grow in so many ways. In the above picture she is wearing a "Sweet 16" corsage that my good friend Judy (kenju) made for her. It was popular where I grew up and I had one too (many, many years ago!). I knew Alex would enjoy it!! Happy Birthday Alex? We love you, Grandma & Granddaddy...

Unfolding Memories

As we are preparing to move back to Kentucky to be closer to our families we are finding some wonderful memories while going through boxes in the attic. This Bible was given to me Christmas, 1957 (14 years old) by my mom & dad. I remember lying in bed each night reading it cover to cover trying to understand all I could about Jesus and His love for me. When I think back now I don't know how much I really understood since it is the King James Version. As I continued reading and studying His word it began to take on more and more meaning in my daily life. Over the years, through life's ups and downs, I have always known that the Lord walks with me...and I am both grateful and amazed at his awesome love and forgiveness.

Winter Color

January is always a difficult time for me with all the color and joy of Christmas gone and basically there seems to be much gray. These bushes are in our front yard and I was drawn to the brilliant color. It made me smile at the brightness of the red. I am also enjoying a new camera by way of my daughter Anna. She got a new and improved one...so I now have her D50 Digital SLR. Right now there's alot of blurry pictures but it's improving!

I wish for you all a wonderful 2008!!

A "Man of God"

This is my older brother Arthur (65). God took him home today. My younger sister Linda and I always called him our "favorite" brother and we were his "favorite" sisters. His life was dedicated to his faith, doing God's work and being with his family. We will miss his simple ways, his sweet smile and his big hugs.