Happy 2nd Anniversary, Nicholas and Brooke!

Wow, I can't believe it has already been two years since these two got married.  Time really flies.  We have enjoyed watching them grow into a married couple.  They offset each other so well.

Dennis and I wish them a long happy marriage and God's blessings.

Much love, Mom

Happy 3rd Birthday, Turner!

Happy Birthday to precious Turner.  Just look at him.  He's a bundle of joy.  Great t-shirt - Prince Charming.  That's just what he is.  I think you can tell he had a blast at his birthday party.

Uncle Dennis and I hope his birthday was as delightful as he is.  What a cutie!

Happy 5th Birthday, Sydney!

Happy Birthday to our sweet Sydney.  Isn't she a beauty?  She is the perfect age to love Disney Princesses, Hello Kitty, and magic glow in the dark wands.

Uncle Dennis and I hope she had a very happy birthday filled with lots of fun and surprises.  She's a treasure!

Happy Birthday, Kline!

Happy 2nd Birthday to our precious great-nephew, Kline.  Isn't he just a doll?
That big smile is always on his face and he charms everyone he meets.  Uncle Dennis & I hope he had a fabulous time on his birthday.  :)

"Discipline is remembering what you want." ~ David Campbell

I found this quote and used it on my other blog, but it is so simple and brilliant that I had to use it here, too. It applies to everything in my life.

I want to be closer to God - I need to discipline myself to read my Bible more and spend time alone in prayer.

I want to lose weight - I need to be disciplined in my diet.

I want to save money - that takes discipline.

I want to be healthier - I need to discipline myself to keep up with my walking.

I could go on and on!

I see that discipline brings happiness.  Thank you, David Campbell, for this quote!

Keeping Up With Our Pact!

I don't know if any of you besides Rhonda decided to make a pact with me for the New Year, but I have been trying to makes some strides in that direction.  I am reading the Bible through again this year.  Dennis has received as gifts the Bible (Old & New Testaments) on CD.  The New Testament came out first and we listened through that as we were going to sleep several times through.  This last summer he got the Old Testament.  As we have been listening to it, I have had times of thinking "Is this in the Bible?  I don't remember it."  I am ashamed to admit this because I have read the Bible through at least 4 times in the past in several different versions!

That got me thinking "I need to read it through again!"  So I started reading it on January 10, 2011.  The way I have it figured out I should finish next December 31.  When you see me ask me if I am keeping up with it.  I need accountability.  :D  Last night the Peacemakers gave us an assignment of Bible study to do for a few weeks.  All of this should help me center my mind on things above.  That is my desire.

As far as my health goes, I had an encouraging Dr. appointment with my liver specialist.  Everything seems to be going well.  I haven't been very faithful with my walking, however.  That is first on my list of things to do to get back on track with a healthier me.

Here's hoping you are doing well on our pact.  Let me know how you are doing!  :D

Oh, yes, Bud & Candy gave us an assignment to pray a list of wonderful things for our small group friends and our family.  I am totally willing to add you to that group if you want.  Just let me know.  Family need not apply,  I've got you covered!  :D

Happy Birthday, Regina!

Today is our beautiful niece, Regina's birthday.  Love that girl!  Just look at that face.  You can tell what a great person she is.

Since the day she was born (which I remember vividly) she has been a treasure.  What a darling little girl she was!  I can still see her toddling around at our wedding rehearsal dinner.

She is a busy young woman with her family's busy schedule to manage.  She handles it all beautifully.  Linda has done an amazing job of training her daughters.

Not only is she a fabulous niece, she is a loving wife and mother of some of my favorite kids in this world!

Uncle Dennis and I hope she had a delightful day and evening out with her honey!

Happy 2011!

A new year is here.  I have always loved the idea of the fresh start and all, but these days I cherish each new year even more.  I know I sound morbid and I don't mean to be, but every year (actually even day) that God gives me seems like a real blessing.  This doesn't mean that every day is pure delight.  Of course I have hectic days occasionally that aren't fun, but I'm grateful for time to spend with family and friends.

I'm a quirky person in a lot of ways and I know that.  One of my quirks is that I love when a new decade starts.  Just having the new year end in 1 fills me with that fresh start feeling.  What can I do this new decade to make the world a better place?  How will God use me?  I pray that I'll be open to His leading.

I'm planning on taking better care of myself this year.  I know that in the last few weeks especially I haven't followed doctors' orders very well.  My strength level was pretty low at times, but the joy of the season carried me through.  Besides, when you have someone like Molly to play with, you just can't pass up the chance!  :D

Lets make a pact.  We're going to have a healthier year this year and draw closer to our Heavenly Father. We can't help but be blessed if we do that.  Happy 2011 to all of my precious family and friends!