Friday, September 30, 2016

Thank You Cross Fit



Between her primary job and her membership (and part time coaching) in Cross Fit, I don't know how Lauren has time to sleep.  But on top of all that, she takes time to participate in races, like the Reebok Spartan Race. 

It was humorous to me that not long before I saw this picture of her languishing on the Cross Fit floor, I had seen this picture of a tea shirt with a very meaningful statement: EVERYTHING HURTS AND I'M DYING. They surely looked the part in the photo at the gym.

Would love to see her again, but with her parents now in another state, it would be a stretch to even hope for it...like I said, she is way too busy to cross a couple of states to see me.

I like Max Lucado's way with words.And because I get 
his letter by email most days, I often rerun some of his words, 
because they are really good. This is what I received from Max
today. I hope you appreciate it as much as I have:


Maybe you’ve seen the sight. Tethered to a high-speed boat, 
the parasail lifts the rope-clinging customer six hundred feet 
into the air. High above, the passenger hangs on and enjoys 
the view, letting the boat do the work. What choice does he 
or she have? To reach such heights, help is needed. 
To maintain such heights, power is mandated. No person can 
self-elevate to such a level.

Watching as one of my daughters flew high above on the 
parasail, I thought, “Isn’t this a picture of grace? Look at her, 
soaring and sitting. Those two words seldom appear in the 
same sentence. Especially religious sentences. We tend to 
think soaring and working; soaring and striving, soaring and 
struggling. But 
soaring and sitting? It happens. It happens when you let the 
boat do the work. It happens when you let God do the same.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Steak and Shake Fun for Kids



 Haven't been on my computer, but the last hour. It's been a busy, busy day. Ready to fall asleep now. But before I do, I want to post this picture taken in July when April and Tim were here with three of their grandchildren.  They enjoyed themselves... I'm sure they always do when they are with Bam and Grandpa.  The adult on this layout is Ron, our captain.



Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Ava Drives



The little ones certainly get a kick out of driving the boat. Look how serious Ava is. She looks like she has been doing this all her life.  I think this is her first time, though. Our son, Tim, her grandfather, is enjoying it just as much as she is. Can you see the pride in his face?

He doesn't get to see her as often as they would like...but that is what happens when kids move away...only this time, it was just the opposite, Grandpa is the one who moved. At least it is easier for him to travel than for Ava and her mother, Brittanie.

May God direct this election and guide us to vote for the one who will fix the mess we are in now.
I feel that we need to get away from the lifetime politicians who care more about themselves than they do for us and our country.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Celebrating Admission


Ashley was the first to apply to NSA, a magnet school in Nashville. It was her first choice and she was accepted quickly for Visual Arts. Then the music director reached out to those who did not audition during the first round. Mason decided at the last second to audition. Chelle could hear him audition through the closed door and could tell he blew them away. He found out soon after that he was accepted into the Choir Conservatory. Last of all, Aussie, since his first choice had filled their student body, decided to go to NSA as well. He auditioned very late. He just got out of the hospital for pneumonia, with only one spot remaining he was accepted into the Literary Arts Conservatory.   All of them being in the same school  will make it easier for Mom and Dad to transport them  to and from school.

And yes, that picture was taken as they celebrated NSA in early July. They have now gotten acquainted with teachers, other students, rules, etc.  It has been a big adjustment, but I think they have done well. I hope to see them on their fall break coming up soon.

I remember asking them if this was a celebration of school starting soon, and Ashley replied, "Who does that?"  Her grandmother was one who was always anxious for school to start. Wait until she hears that. I hope it doesn't shock her too badly. 

Celebrating Admission



Ashley was the first to apply to NSA, a magnet school in Nashville. She was accepted quickly for something art related. Then the music director requested that Mason audition and he was admitted for Voice. Last of all, Aussie, since his first choice of schools had filled their student body, decided to go to NSA as well and was accepted for his writing skill.   

All of them being in the same school will make it easier for Mom and Dad to transport them to and from school.

And yes, that picture was taken as they celebrated NSA in early July. They have now gotten acquainted with teachers, other students, rules, etc.  It has been a big adjustment, but I think they have done well. I hope to see them on their fall break coming up soon.

I remember asking them if this was a celebration of school starting soon, and Ashley replied, "Who does that?"  Her grandmother was one who was always anxious for school to start. Wait until she hears that. I hope it doesn't shock her too badly. 

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Ride a Horse

Tonight I am posting only a layout with no 'lecture'. You lucked out. 

I am peeved over my blog of yesterday. I just now saw how my post was cut, so that nothing could be read. Of course, I didn't try to read it. Perhaps it would be even more interesting that way. A person could play a game guessing what I had tried to say... however. I have to admit it made me too tired to write anything tonight or to even change what I posted last night. Below is another layout of Caleb. It was his very first time to ride the horse without someone leading it around the area.



Friday, September 23, 2016

On the Farm with Oliver



As you can see, Oliver enjoys the animals at the farm. He held the baby chickens and eyed the rabbit. 

It is so much fun to see him at the farm...wish I could have been there that time. 



Now for a deeper thought. All of us at one time or another face difficult times. Perhaps you know someone right now who is suffering something that is hard for her/him. Often, it is so difficult for people that they question why it has happened to them. 

In my email today, I received two mails about the same subject. The following was from Max Lucado. I love the way he puts things so simply...


Life is a Required Course

God can make something good out of your mess! The test you are experiencing will become your testimony. 2 Corinthians 1:4-5 says that God comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone who’s going through hard times so we can be there for that person, just as God was there for us.
You didn’t sign up for this crash course in single parenting?  No, but God enrolled you. He has taken the intended evil and rewoven it into this curriculum. Why? So you can teach others what He’s taught you. Rather than say, “God why?” ask “God, what?”  What can I learn from this experience? Rather than ask God to change your circumstances, ask Him to use your circumstances to change you. Life is a required course. Might as well do your best to pass it! You will get through this!  Max Lucado

And a Bible Verse: Romans 5:3-4


3 (Not only so, but) we  also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Another Rubik's Cube Best



Aussie surely likes his Rubik's Cubes. I'm wondering if he is spending as much time with them as he had been over the last few years...now that he is in high school and is loaded down with homework.

I imagine he will cram some time into his schedule. And when he visits here later this year, I will bet he will be carrying one or more cubes with him.

I am trying to think of fun things to do while the triplets are here. It seemed  so much easier when they were younger. They love Cedar Point, even though they have been to Disney World not too long ago. But the park is only open one day while they will be here.

I am anxious to see them. It seems like forever sine the last time. How does that happen, when otherwise, it seems like time flies. It just doesn't make sense.

On the political side...the right side...we need to pray without ceasing for this election. I do believe the only way the new Democrats are going to win is by cheating at the ballot box, but I certainly would not be surprised at all if they do that again. It is commonplace in that party. But they would have to do lots of it this time, if they are going to win.  

Still, I wouldn't be surprised it they found a way to do it... However, I am praying that God will keep the election process clean and that those supporting Trump will win out this time.  

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised Trump is doing so well, but with such a bad start, I am.  

Please pray that  people are able to see that the two parties of old are not with us anymore. They are, but in name only. The Republicans are more like the Democrats were and the Democrats are more like the communist party and it shows a preference to Muslims over Christians.





Wednesday, September 21, 2016

In God We Trust


When we  buy something or have a service done, we want to find an honest person with whom to do business. It gets harder and harder all the time. So when we had to have a room's floor recovered, we remembered a business at the closest intersection  to us. A road runs into our street and dead ends there; so when a person gets stopped at the light, right in front of him or her is a large high fence between two buildings. On it is painted in large letters this Bible verse from II Chronicles 7:14:

King James Version (KJV):
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
That verse has become very important to me in recent years with the morality of so many people in this country and especially the world has pretty much hit bottom. Youth are being corrupted at very young ages. I know no other answer, but to turn to God for help and comfort in such a time as this. 
My husband had already used his company to purchase flooring for the church, which they also installed. We were very pleased. So, when we ordered  our tiles (which look like wood) for the basement floor, we purchased them from the same company.  
When he came out to give us advice and an estimate, he drove the truck in this picture.  I was sold. I love that truck. And we really like him. He is definitely a fine trustworthy man. 


Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Baby Chick and Caleb


Why have I been waiting so long to post my blog, that I start to fall asleep at the keyboard? I've been thinking about that...but I waited until time to post.  Now, I'm finding it hard to hold up my head.  

Perhaps it  is the old Hillary ploy...when you need to avoid a speaking slot or a debate, get sick. Hmmm Maybe that is it. I find it is hard to write an interesting blog, so I get so tired that  either I don't, or I have a good excuse why it is poor. I really must repent of that and try to do better.

Tonight I have a layout that I finally did today of Caleb with a baby chick. It was fun to design. I love digital because if at first you don't succeed, you may try again and again. Nothing lost, but time.


Monday, September 19, 2016

Love and Sweetness


Yesterday was the very first day this year that my right knee didn't hurt and again today, I made it through the day. What a wonderful feeling, worth the operation.  Wish I could have gotten it sooner, but I didn't want to miss all my summer.

The layout above has pictures from June 6 of this year. I was bedfast for at least two weeks after I  finished off my leg with an injury at the airport in Colorado, running for our plane.  It would have been fine, if I had not had smaller injuries before that. I had finished my physical therapy and then tore the meniscus.

While I was in bed, April came up to see me and brought over her sweet niece, Payton, who lives in our area.

Maggie was not used to me being in bed during the day. She stayed there with me most of the time.

She was very happy, as was I, to see these two pop in unannounced. It was a wonderful visit.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Pose on St Augustine Pier


Mason, Ashley and Aussie pose on the St Augustine Pier on Anastasia Island, which is south of the city of St Augustine .

I'm  ready for bed early tonight after having trouble with Photoshop Elements and my clothes washer this evening. I'm beat. 

Instead of trying to write while I'm nodding off, I'm posting a very helpful list to use for voting this year..


I'm hoping you can blow this up big enough to read.




Saturday, September 17, 2016

Double Your Fun



They had enjoyed themselves so much the last time they went to Montana, that several families from Beth's side of the family got together again and rented a house up north for a nice, cool vacation.  So our boys  and Julia got to visit with their cousins.  The house was beautiful and I understand they had a great time. 

I'm reposting the layout below, because it was deleted the last time I posted it. It has pictures of Leah in her latest movie...a horror movie...that's right a get your foot in the door step. The name is Family Possessions and even though I really dislike horror movies, I would like to see it because she is in it.
It will be playing in Ohio soon, but it is too far for us to go right now. Just can't get a way. Perhaps I"ll be able to see it at home sometime.

I'm proud of Leah.  When she moved to FL early in her school years, she found out there was not even one book in the school library that she hadn't read.  So they were able to get her in an IB school in Pensacola.  That was a good move and she did well. She also got interesting in acting there and we all in awe over how well she did. You, I am prejudiced...but she really was good. In college, she continued that interest. Even with that time consuming activity, she graduated in three years. After that, she studied theater in New York city.

Even though I wouldn't wish a life in theater on anyone, I know she really wants to act.



Friday, September 16, 2016

Movie Crew



If you saw a layout of Leah's latest movie last night and wonder what happened. I wasn't to promote it yet, so...
This now is Leah with some of the cast and crew.   

This has been a good day in many ways. The  first being that Trump came out with his economic plan. It reminds me of Reagan's as is lowers taxes. Liberals said it wouldn't work then and it did.

Since they don't understand economics, they believe there is no way we'll have more money when taxes are lowered. They just don't get it. They shake their heads and all they hear is a rattle. But it can be proven and it is a wonderful economy booster. Just look at  history and you'll see how the economy improved under Reagan.


Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Won't Give Up

I know it is a waste  to post without a layout, but I don't want anyone to think I'm giving up the blog. I have just been so very busy and slowed down at the same time. I  haven't been able to keep up with everything. Duty first is necessary.  I certainly hope that even though tomorrow is another  day, packed with activities.

Praying that I sleep  well and get back into shape, so that I can keep up the pace needed around here.

Monday, September 12, 2016

Julia's First Vacation


Another  page starring Julia. These pictures were taken on her very first vacation. Her mom, her aunt, and their cousins planned a trip to Montana. They had been there before and really enjoyed their fun there. This time they rented a different house and took all their children along. We hope they will enjoy memories of all the fun for a long, long time.

On this layout, your'll see Beth's sister, Sarah, Sarah's husband Michael, and her son Patch and Katy, their lovely daughter. You will also see Beth and her three, Caleb, Oliver and Julia. John had not arrived yet. He had to fly in after his business trip. 

In your bottom right is  all the cousin's children.

Praying that God will work out this election so that our citizens  can become united once again and not continue on the path it has been the last 8 years, being pitted against each other at every turn.
May God grant us peace and safety.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Beautiful Little One


My day was packed with activity, now I need some rest. As soon as possible I will slip into bed, rest my head and fall asleep in peace.

But first I need to tell you this is our sweet and happy granddaughter.  

Next I'll say that church went very well this morning.

This evening we watched FaceBook on TV. I can't keep up with technology. I'll never catch up with it. It is a good thing that Ron makes that attempt, even though sometimes it is a little difficult for him as well.  He fixed it so that we were able to watch a three hour show on our big screen TV. 
(Those who know me might wonder how I could sit that  long...well I didn't. I jumped up now and then to run here or there...but it was so loud I didn't miss anything. ) 

It was a program for Dr. Ben Carson's  Faith Votes which included lots of talented singers and musicians and very entertaining speakers with a powerful message. 

I'm not sure how it works, but it was announced near the end that one could watch it on Facebook any time.  I need to find out how to do that. In the meantime, you might be able to find it on my FaceBook if you are friends with me there.

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Leah at Kenan



I really enjoy getting photos of my grandchildren whom I know are very busy. We don't get to visit, so without the pictures, I would miss a lot of things.

Leah has said she learned everything she knows at Flagler College in St Augustine. This is her  back at the scene. It is Kenan Hall. She and another girl were there while on a modeling job. I know there is a lot of shadow, but I love the mood it  gives to the picture.

I think we are on opposite sides of the fence with the upcoming election. But you know, we all have to make our own decisions and think for ourselves. She has always been a big reader, so I imagine she has read a lot on all the issues before choosing sides.

I'm continuing to pray that God will be instrumental in giving us the best candidate; yet I know it is true to the Bible for him to give his people what they want.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Growing So Fast


Our little Ava is growing so fast and I am slowing down  so much, that I can't keep up with her. This picture is from June 13.  I got a new video today that shows her so much bigger and oh so active.

I really need to get on the ball and finish the book I'm working on now, because pictures are piling up...well not literally.  My files are bulging...not literally...but they are filling up my computer. I wouldn't want to give up any one of them.

Well, I'm nodding off at the computer again, so it is off to bed for me, before my head hits the floor.

Good night and may the living God of love be with you and yours.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Very Thankful for Our Girls


These are more pictures taken back in May, with the girls helping Ron with the wall. 

The girls are back now, but just for a very short visit. April had a very serious bee sting that kept them from coming earlier and now she has to get back home. Kim's husband will pick her up at April's, so she must go back as well.

I hate to admit it, but they know it. I have apologized. I have chosen Ladies' class over staying here with them in the morning. I was a very difficult choice to make. But it is our first Ladies' class of the season and I really don't want to miss seeing some of the ladies whom I have not seen since our last class before summer break. 

I'm hitting the sack now because I wouldn't want to oversleep and miss it. It will be hard for me to get up early enough, but I'm committed.

Monday, September 5, 2016

Loving Concern



The  girls had been here working all week, helping Ron, because they  are afraid he will overdo it.

They are concerned about this soon to be 74 year old acting like he is 30.  Of course they, like him, are ignoring age. They look like they are in their 30s, but they have just weathered well.

We appreciate their loving concern and helping hands. Thank you, girls.

I am posting this newsletter I received in my email today. It was written by Jim Chilton, a wise man and friend of my husband, Ron. He has had his share of troubles in life, but has pulled through them and writes this daily newsletter.

I appreciate his wisdom and comments on a recent event you have most likely heard of quite a bit recently.

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this ums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12, NIV).
I’m not a fan of Colin Kaepernick.  I have no posters of his image on my walls.  In fact, I know very little about his NFL quarterback except he has big biceps and displays bold tattoos.  For sure you’ve heard his name recently.  He sat while his teammates and an entire stadium stood for the National Anthem.  His story captured my attention, a young man taking what he believes is the right stand, and he is booed, rejected, and viciously attached from all sides.
Kaepernick chose a platform to call attention to a national issue that most would avoid, and the wave of criticism came crashing down on him.  We can talk about racial inequality or the right to express our beliefs, but I look at this incident from a different perspective.
Have you noticed how our culture is poised to pounce on anyone who dares to be counter-cultural?  Christians, of all people, need to careful about the national obsession of piling on.  We could be next.  Our “brand” of living is extremely offensive to a culture moving away from Christianity. 
Let me be clear:  I love my country, and it is my honor to stand when the Anthem is being played.  The cost of the freedoms I enjoy every day came at a high cost.  That in mind, I love Colin Kaepernick, the person.  Like me, he is a sojourner on this earth on his way to eternity.  Today I am at peace with my Lord because someone loved me.  Someone died for me, and many others joined me on my path to love me more.  Some of my choices were not prudent, and yet there were godly brothers and sisters who embraced me as they showed me “a more excellent way.”
Think of the ministry of Jesus, and think about a number of encounters He had with people that the culture ridiculed.  People fell in love with Jesus because He came along and infused dignity.  As His disciples we are agents of dignity because we have been given a full measure of self-worth.  Remember that Jesus did not say we would be known because we are always on the right side of an issue, but because of our love (John 13:35). 
I love Colin Kaepernick.  I have prayed for him, and for the right people to join him on his journey.  His life is precious.  He doesn’t need to hear the jeers, but the gist of Jesus.  It is not about piling on. 
Jesus too was booed, rejected, and viciously attacked to the point of death.  Those of us who would stand for the Anthem, but not stand with Jesus in offering love and hope, have missed the Gospel.
I love Colin Kaepernick because Jesus loves me.
And I love You, too!
Jim Chilton, Bring the Parchments


Sunday, September 4, 2016

Project Made Simple



Just a quick post before I jump into bed. This is a holiday weekend and we have NOTHING planned...of course that is partly because I have little energy. I need to be able to workout and lose some weight. That is nothing unusual, just getting worse  since I've been  spending my exercise time on this knee. I think I'm about to the point of going back to a true workout and a healthy diet... no ice-cream :(

These pictures were taken back in June. I may catch up some day, but I'm not counting on it.

Had a wonderful day at church this morning. Praise the Lord.

This prayer was in my inbox today. It is good enough to share.



Saturday, September 3, 2016

Words With Friends



As  most of you know, I spend an inordinate amount of time at the computer. You would think I would have a pretty good blog, but alas...I'm doing lots of things including email and FaceBook, which can both be extremely time consuming. Well, I have another interest as well...that is Words With Friends.  

A person can use up a LOT of time playing games, and Words is a game. I do, however, limit my time with that. I did have several Words buddies, but I've limited that to just one friend now, except for an occasional game when I'm challenged.  

This layout is about my Words friendship with Judy. We have found we are pretty well equally talented, so our games can really be a challenge. You can see by the statistics they keep on us. Most nights, we play. We started with one or two games.  Now we keep 4 going most of the time. She really makes me work hard. But, oh what fun it is.

And yes, we are supporting the same candidate for president. Surely you didn't think we would not talk about that. We are sisters, in that we worship the Creator God in heaven. So the four most important things in life are all things we can agree about. That is: God, Family, Politics and Games.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Tear Down That Wall



Not sure why these pictures did not line up,  but then, I don't understand much at all about computers. It is strange to me how one can follow a set of commands and get the same result over and over and then the computer stops, takes  a stand  and says ' not this time sister'. Oh no, I just don't get it.

While I'm griping, I don't understand why every night recently when I've started my blog, my head begins to ache. OK, I've had enough! I'm ignoring it!!

These pictures were made way back in mid May. At this rate, it could be 2017 before I publish my next book. I feel like I've hitched a ride on a snail.

If you remember, Kim and April were helping their dad demolish the seawall...at least the top 2 or 3 rotting railroad ties. He tells me he didn't ask them to do this and I hope it is true. This is really a man's job!

The job reminded me of Ronald Reagan when he said to Russia, "Tear down that wall."

Of course we are hearing just the opposite from Donald Trump now. His aim is to build an impenetrable wall to protect the people of our country from those who would do us harm.

That is one of the reasons I am for Trump. The main job of our government is to protect our citizens...
not to disarm them.