Janet and Marvins Life

What we been doing

2012-02-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

How can be February already???? It has been quite a year already for us. Recently I am nursing my latest dental issue. I had dental surgery almost a week ago to have a gum flap (they cut open my gum to see if a crowned tooth was broke) it was broke in half and badly decayed even into the roots. Needless to say I will NOT being going back to my regular dentist. I had been going in to him several times with gum pain over the past 6 months. I had to have the tooth extracted and a bone graft. After healing I will need an implant. So not only do I have physical pain I have a pocketbook pain. But I am thankful to have dental insurance and Marvin's HSA plan which will help with some of the cost.

We have started back up with bible study. We are study the Fruits of spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. In conjunction with the study we are also reading this book,

Just after the first of the year Marvin and I started another project. This project for the heart I thought would be for better communication and a growth between God, Marvin and I.

I went to Ross and found a couple of journals. In the journals we write in ours and each others. We write of blessings, negative things that have happened and then seeing the positive out of the issue. There are no rights or wrongs to write in this book. Sometimes we write about the sermon or just simply a bible verse. It is fun to see what was written in our journals. I will update later and let you know how this project is going.

And now for a household project. Since Max is gone we have started a complete remodel of his room. This room will be my reading/craft room. We have moved the Futon in there as well.
Here is a small peak.

The color of the room is butter yellow.

I found this cute desk at TJ Maxx/Homegoods. In fact the room was going to be this green color before I found it. That all I going to show you for now since I am still working on it. But I am so excited.

On a sadder note. I lost my ex-sister-in-law Patty a week and a half of go. She was only 48. Her heart stopped during surgery. Though Patty had not been in my life for a while she still was family. I loved her. I believe she was put on earth to help people because that is what she did. In her death she blessed many people since she was an organ and tissue donor.

That is just a small peak about what is going on. Even though we have had a lot of bad things happen this year we are finding blessings that have come out of each of them. Jesus is leading my way and I am trying to walk by faith instead of sight trusting God completely.

Blessings

Janet

More than a gift from a friend

2012-01-28T09:31:00.000-08:00

I have really been have a hard time dealing with the loss of my dog Max. A dear blogging friend Susan sent Marvin and I wonderful gift.

This DVD called Animals in Heaven is wonderful. It a a commentary by Dr. Jack & Rexalla Van Impe. It was so comforting to hear scriptures quoted and what 12 other famous Christan theologians taught on the subject. There is no doubt in my mind that I will see Max once again in heaven.

Thank you Susan for a most precious gift and also for your own comforting words and prayers during my loss. I know God brought Susan into my life for a reason and I have already seen him reveal his plan to have Susan help me with my spiritual growth.

Blessings
Janet

The Perfect Storm

2012-01-20T16:46:00.000-08:00

We love the Oregon coast and since we don't live far we like to take short vacations over there. We were so excited. We left last Tuesday morning with anticipation of the forecast of high winds and rain. A perfect storm. Before we left we experienced some valley snow so we headed out early and took it slow through some slick roads. We were able to check into our condo early. Right away something was not right. When we opened the door to go in dust and fumes were apparent. My allergies kicked in full gear and I started to wheeze and could not get my breath. What a scary time but I was able to breathe if I stepped outside. We moved to another condo and settled into a night of heavy winds and stormy seas. At that point we didn't know that this is what our vacation was going to be all about.

This picture is from our room.

Such a beautiful place. We sat and watched the magnificent seas. We read our books and took some naps. We enjoyed the fire and each others company. Thursday afternoon we started to hear a lot of pounding. I told Marvin I tasted dust and ran to get my antihistamine and decongestant. Then we heard a sander and knew that the construction was close. We called the front desk and they confirmed that the crew was working right next door to us. They did not have any other rooms open. On Friday morning I woke up with gritty red eyes and a severe headache. We decided it would be best to cut our vacation short and come home. The problem was trying to find a way home. There were road closures from flooded roads to sinkholes and erosion. We had to go out of our way and go North to get back south but we are home safely.

Even though this vacation was a full of disappointments and health concerns we were able to see God's glory in the beautiful Pacific ocean and see his almighty power of the winds and the rain. We felt safe in arms.

Happy Birthday Dad

2012-01-14T10:33:00.000-08:00

Today is my dads birthday! I haven't seen him in a few years so I am sharing pictures from 2008 & 2009. We will be making a trip back to Nebraska this summer so I am excited about that.

This picture is dad, mom and my brothers David, Danny, and sister Joyce. My sister Joan is not pictured.

Dad loves to play cards and when the family is together there is a lot of card playing

Marvin also loves to play cards

This picture is at the lake. My parents had a cabin. We always went out in Pontoon. The kids always were swimming, paddle boating and tubing too. My parents had to sell the cabin a few years ago due to the constant flooding. Thank you dad for all the great memories at the lake.

This picture was here in Oregon at Holly and Ricky's before there wedding in 2008. Playing pool is another activity that dad loves.

But I saved the best for last. Dad loves babies and children. You can always catch him holding one. He is pictured here with his great grandson Logan in 2008. Logan is my grandson.

Love you dad

see you in a few months.

Janet

PS Marvin says Happy Birthday too

Saying goodbye to Max our dog

2012-01-07T17:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a very difficult day as we had to put our 14 year old dog Max down. He had been failing over the last year and he had lost bladder control and was experiencing some dementia and breathing problems. Marvin and I both went in with him to hold him while he took his final breaths. It was fast and peaceful. There were alot of tears shed . I have been having a really hard time.

Max came into our family 14 years ago as a small furry ball when our son Jeremy and Marvin went to just look at these pure breeds. Jeremy shelled out the cash and came home with this adorable puppy..

Yes it was definitely love at first site.

but he was Jeremy's dog in the beginning. He slept with him and Jeremy took care of him.

Max always thought he should be in all the family pictures. Of course he was a big part of the family.

At the time we had 3 cats Misty, Miles and my baby kitty McKenzie. Max loved them all. All of our pets here have gone on to be with Jesus.

Max even got to be in Jeremy's senior pictures.

and then Kayla came along. I am actually holding her with Max in the chair with me. Although Max adored Kayla we could not take the chance that he would bite her.

but that still not stop her for loving him.

Max loved Kayla so much

Max really never did like the snow but he always went out for a few minutes.

Max always wanted to be around me when Jeremy and his family went home. I was his mommy

But he loved us all

Max gave us a lot of good memories in the 14 years that we had him. Rest in Peace Max I know one day we will see you again in Heaven.

An after Christmas Blessing

2012-01-04T17:25:00.000-08:00

After Christmas we received a very special delivery from our Georgia family

It was the sweetest gift and made us cry and then laugh

This book is a recordable book. 7 year Emma read the whole book. We were not prepared for 4 year old Logan's part but he had us laughing so hard. At the end of each page he said "turn the page papa"

Thank you to our daughter Jennifer and son in law Matt for thinking of a great gift that we will always treasure. And thank you Emma and Logan for all your hard work. We love and miss you!
Nana & Papa

Christmas, My Birthday and the New Year

2012-01-01T13:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I wish everyone a healthy and happy new year. Yesterday I celebrated another birthday. The years seem to be flying by fast. I enjoyed all the calls from my family. My grand kids in Georgia and in Portland both called and sang me Happy Birthday which made my day. I was so lazy yesterday. Marvin went and picked up lunch to go at the Olive Garden because I didn't want to get out. It was yummy. BUT the diet is beginning this week.

We celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve Day. They all arrived the night before so we had a houseful. We missed our Georgia kids and grand kids but we were able to talk to them.

Holly and Ricky enjoying a Dutch Brothers coffee in anticipation of the gift opening

Morgan opening her book. We got all 4 grand kids this cute book that they can write inside all about them. It is adorable. It asks questions. A great keepsake.

Kayla modeling her tangled Rapunzel wig.

Jeremy, Sara, Kayla and Morgan scratching their lottery scratch offs.

Marvin is happy opening a new game with camaros.

and me getting so hugs.

Later we enjoyed a good lunch of Ham, Cheesy potatoes, green beans and bacon, pistachio salad, and dinner rolls.

We played a few games and then Jeremy and his family left. We played some cards and then we headed off to Christmas Eve service and to look at Christmas lights.

It was such a wonderful day that we were able to spend with the family. We are so blessed.

Next post will be on the gifts arriving from Georgia.

Blessings
Janet

Happy Birthday Jesus

2011-12-25T15:12:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas. Happy Birthday Jesus.

Emma

2011-12-20T06:26:00.000-08:00

Our granddaughter is out if surgery and the doctor said that it went smooth. Thanks be to God. My daughter Jennifer just called and they are on their way home. Emma is very sleepy.

Janet

Prayers for our Grandaughter Emma

2011-12-16T18:43:00.000-08:00

Next Tuesday December 20th our 7 year old granddaughter Emma is having eye surgery on both eyes for her lazy eyes. This is an outpatient surgery but she does have to go under general anesthesia. It should be a fast recovery. Please pray that God leads the surgeons hands to be steady and the surgery goes well. Please also pray for our daughter Jennifer and son in law Matt to feel the comfort, peace, and strength from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Happy Birthday to my sister Joyce

2011-12-14T06:34:00.000-08:00

Today is my sister Joyce's birthday. She is just one year older than me. I am so blessed to have her. Even though we live miles apart sometimes it seems like we are right here together. We have always been close. I love the picture below from the past.

We have taken several vacations together and the picture below is a favorite of mine

Happy Birthday Joyce! I love you and miss you!
Janet

Happy Birthday Holly

2011-12-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

Today is our daughter Holly's 28th birthday (she is our baby). We are so proud of her. Look at this sweet little Holly. She was probably about 4. She always had a smile and was very sweet. A mama's girl.

This is Holly and her husband Ricky today

She is still beautiful with her sparkling blue eyes and has a big heart.

Yesterday she got an early birthday present that she was accepted to the Masters Program. Holly loves the Ducks football team especially since she graduated from the U of O. She has even got me loving the Ducks. God blessed me and Marvin when he sent us Holly.

Happy Birthday Holly!

We love you!

Mom and Dad

Taking some time off blogging

2011-11-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

I have decided that it is time for a break for blogging. Not only is it a busy time of the year I am thinking need a break for awhile.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings

Janet

This and That

2011-11-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

I haven't been real busy just lazy. I enjoyed the extra hour of sleep and all the extra sleep from the weekend. I guess that is what I needed.

This is my Thanksgiving potpourri

Our daughter Holly made these very cute paper dolls to send to our granddaughter (sponsored) child in Africa. Brenda is 8 years old so I think she will like them. Can you tell it is Marvin, Brenda and me?

We have been enjoying our bible study so much and have learned so much from our group. Last week a couple brought in their daughter's 2002 Olympic Torch that she carried so that was neat to be able to see. And then the same couple (Jim) talked about how he was an aide to Dwight Eisenhower when they were in Berlin. So we got a history lesson. We actually were talking about the first time we received communion and since I was Catholic and brought up the Church he started to talk about a Catholic Church in Berlin. This is our last week and I am going to miss this group.

We only had 4 trick or treaters this year. There were not very many lights on our street. For each of the granddkids I made up a bag of candy and also send a letter. I made the stationary with the pictures of the animals. I thought it would be fun to take a picture next to our fake pumpkin with each of the animals. I don't know what I was thinking.

We started with Max he actually ended up doing pretty well

Next was Tiger- you can tell he was not very happy

And then Khloe she wanted nothing to do with it

I had such a sweat worked up we finally gave up on her.

Hope you have a great week!

Janet

Logan and Kayla's birthday

2011-10-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

Since Logan birthday was on October 29th and Kayla's was on October 3oth I always hurry to post something on the 31st since they each can have one post of there of own. So today I will tell you how it went.

Saturday we got to talk to Logan since he lives in Georgia. We sang Happy Birthday to him and he opened a small gift and birthday card will he was on speaker phone The gift was a red camaro one of Marvin's collection cars he had. Marvin said someday Logan will get it anyway and he might as well enjoy it. It is Hot wheel. We did not know who much he loves Hot Wheels.

Logan's other set of grandparents where there so he was able to celebrate his birthday with them.
Sunday he had a bowling party. This is the only picture I have but isn't it cute?

For Kayla's birthday we drove to Portland to have a little celebration as she had already had a slumber/roller skating party last weekend. Papa made Goulash (one of her favorites) and we had a birthday cookie

a yummy birthday cookie

So Kayla and Logan a year older. I hope they had a Happy Birthday! Nana and Papa love you both!

Happy 8th birthday Kayla

2011-10-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

Happy 8th birthday to our granddaughter Kayla. It is so hard to believe that she is 8. She is our oldest grand child. She has always been so cute with pretty eyes and has caused us so much joy

She is growing up fast

and what a beauty she still is. She loves to read

likes to dance

and model

she likes the coast

and she loves her sister Morgan and, her mommy and daddy

and loves her Nana and Papa too!

We love you Kayla Michelle! Happy Birthday!

Happy 4th Birthday Logan

2011-10-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

Today our Grandson Logan is 4. He is such a joy. We went to Georgia to visit in March. He loved his Papa to read him this book " Jesus and the 12 dudes who did"

He was such a papa's boy it was hard to get him on my lap

and he has grown since then

He is a happy little boy with spunk and a smile that warms your heart.

and he loves his mommy, daddy and sister Emma too.

Nana and Papa love you Logan and we wish you a Happy Birthday!

Enjoying Fall and God's blessings

2011-10-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

I have the house all decorated for fall. The leaves are turning colors and the air has been crisp. My favorite time of year.

I have these things on top of the entertainment center however, the cats have been knocking them over quite often and I have already had to move the runner and the flowers.

Our pumpkin patch only produce 4 funny looking pumpkins this year. Just enough for the family.

and our sunflowers are still blooming and they are so pretty

and look at little Jordan (not so little anymore, I believe he weighs over 5 lbs and the plan is for him to go home this week. Thanks be to God for this miracle. I am sure our niece Gaylene is thrilled.

Have a blessed week!

Woman of Faith

2011-10-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

My daughter Holly and I attended the Women of Faith conference last weekend in Portland. We sat with some women from our Church group. I loved it. I cried, laughed, clapped, sang, dance, lifted my hand in praise, hugged my daughter and had one of the best times in my life. Since this was my first time to one I didn’t know what to expect. We did not go to the Friday sessions but now I wish that I would have.

Sorry for the picture of my gum but this is the only one we had with the stage in back of us.

Like my daughter Jennifer said some people think it is like a big bible study and another friend thought it was like having a sermon. It is not either. It is life experiences shared by authors and celebrities. It was so awesome. It was also filled with music that made me cry.

Lisa Whelchel from the 80’s sitcom “Facts of Life “Blair” spoke about friendship and wanting so desperately have a best friend. She spoke of the importance of friends and got advice that if your friend is talking bad about someone than that is probably the way they talk about you. She also learned how to break up a negative conversation by saying something positive about that person or changing the subject. I just ordered her book "Friendship for Grownups"

Brenda Warner (wife of NFL player Curt Warner) spoke of her relationships and when she almost lost her 4 month old Zach when he was dropped in the bathtub while his dad (her first husband) was lifting him out of the tub. He survived but is blind and brain damaged. He is such a joy in her life because he taught her how to live. I have bought two of her books and have started to read one of them.

Pasty Clairmont had me rolling over laughing she was so funny, She also walked us through her journey when her son had H1N1 and was in coma for 21 days. She talked about how change is good. I did not get a good picture of her. I just bought her book "Stained Glass Hearts"

Marilyn Meberg had us laughing about her joys and heartaches. She talked quietly and that is what made her storytelling about driving 120 mph so funny.

Sandi Patti-what can I say? She has a voice of an angel and she had me crying because of her voice. She also shared about her getting into the music business and how she had to wait on God’s timing

Seleh is a Christian music group. This group of 3 each had a personal story Todd had lost his daughter Audrey the same day she was born. They knew that she had problems before she was born

Amy has the most powerful voice that brought me to tears. She also shared stories about her current pregnancy and shared her ultrasound and some of the issues that go along with being pregnant.

Allan is a powerful musician and played showed us just how good he was. I did not get a picture of them but I want to buy their CD.

Mandisa-she did not speak but just rocked the house. I LOVE HER…… She was a former American Idol contestant.

The Over the top worship team were also really good and entertained us. I can't wait until next year to attend again.

Have a Blessed Week!

My experience at the Oregon Ducks Football game.

2011-10-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday night I experienced my 2^nd (like the first really) Oregon Duck Football game. I worked until 2 and got home in time to throw some food together for tailgating. Holly was already making some food. Marvin got home and showered and we were out the door. We parked a couple of miles away carrying our food to the tailgating party. (not my idea to walk)Marvin bypassed the tailgating and went right into the game.

Holly made an awesome salmon dip, pralines, and bacon wrapped olives cooked on the grill.I made some cheesy bread.There was turkey dogs, chips and then there were beverages and jello shots…..I don’t drink but I did have on jello shot. There was enough vodka in there to make me feel it right away

After filling our tummies with some good food we headed into Autzen Stadium. It was not raining in fact the “showers” were taken out the forecast .I was so excited when I saw LaMichael James.He is my favorite player because he is small and fast..

It started to shower so we our rain ponchos out. They did not keep us dry. Then it really started raining. I had this guy with boots on step on my toe and the two kids in back of me kept hitting me on the head and I was SOAKING wet…..but I was still enjoying being compacted in with a lot of rowdy people that wanted to stand for the whole game.

Oh there is more. We were wearing earplugs because of the noise (you know those little yellow ones.) I had such a problem with them staying in my ear so I took one out and rolled the whole thing really small and then stuck it in my ear. OKAY first of all I am not a little kid but when I pushed it in it went way in my ear. I was panicking because I could feel it and it hurt. I showed Marvin and he told me to leave it alone. REALLY…I was ready to go to the Red Cross station so they could pull it out with a tweezers but, I put my patience on and waited about 2 minutes and then I started messing with it. Finally I was able to pull it out. SO enough with my problems. LaMichael was doing great and we were winning when he went down with an injury. He had dislocated his elbow which immediately put me in tears. His mom went running down on the field and I wanted to go too. But I had to sit there with all the other fans. I was praying for him when they wheeled him out. He is fine. I am not sure if he will be back in this week.

The Duck was entertaining the crowd. He was down by the ESPN camera when Holly took this photo

It finally did stop raining. Look at all the people. What a great time it really was. Thanks to our daughter Holly for the tickets and taking such great photos. GO DUCKS!

Autumn Blessings

2011-10-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a cute little basket. I found it at Walmart to add to my Fall Decorations. Last year I decided that I would no longer decorate for Halloween but instead I would decorate for Fall and Thanksgiving. The cats have been messing my stuff up. I am concerned about what is going to happen at Christmas. Khloe loves to play and is quite active. She is really warming up to us. She still chasing Tiger all over the house. She has a loud voice and she gets excited when she hears me.

Last Sunday after all the hard work the day before we were able to beat the rain and sit outside and watch the birds. We build a fire and the kids enjoyed roasting marshmallows for breakfast.

Even Holly's dog Sheila wanted to be kept warm

We are really enjoying our new bible study and fellowship. We had another couple join us this week so we have a total of 10 of us. We first have a meal around the table and then continue on with our bible study. Marvin and I are the still the youngest couple by about 13 or 14 years although I know a few are 85. We got to know each other better by going around the table and talking about where we were born and how we met. I loved to hear all the stories. We laughed and laughed.

My mom is doing very well. Thanks for all the prayers.

I have a busier week coming up next week and I can't wait to tell you all about what I did.

Have a great week!
Blessings!
Janet

Our long week....

2011-09-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday my mom had surgery and she is home and doing well. I am so thankful for all the prayers.

Some of these roses are still pretty in my back yard

Baby Jordan my great nephew is also doing very well. He is continuing to grow and is getting so much love from his mom Gaylene.

Wednesday evening was out first bible study. Our first meal together with our new group. When we signed up I knew we had an older bunch of folks. We were the youngest by far take or give 25 to 30 years. The leaders and hosts were so worried that we would have something to talk about. Ha...we had a hard time leaving we were chatting so much. It is so wonderful to have a great fellowship and study the bible with good Christians.

Thursday morning bright and early Jeremy (our son) arrived to start ripping off the old shingles. He is such a hard worker and a blessing. Once Marvin got home from work Jeremy and him headed to the dump. He left his car parked in the street and while he was gone someone backed into it.

Ouch.....the 16 year old kid knocked on the door but no one was home. He was attempting to leave when the neighbor stopped him and asked him for his information. We were able to get a hold of him and he and his dad returned later that evening to exchange information. It did about 1000.00 worth of damage.

Jeremy worked all day on Friday too. Sara, Kayla and Morgan joined us Friday evening after the girls got out of school. Ricky and Holly arrived later that evening so we were packed full. 6 adults, 2 kids, 3 dogs and 2 cats.

Early Saturday morning the roofing party began.

Look at the pretty blue hot sky.

my daughter in law Sara also helped in anyway she could by picking up dog poop, to getting water, tools, sweeping. picking up trash and watching over everyone to make sure they did not need anything.

Ricky and Jeremy taking a break

Here is Holly taking a break too

Kayla and Morgan stopped for a quick picture

Marvin taking a break and "waving to me" He was so hot, I was worried about him at this point. Finally he came down and went in the house to get cooled off and watch the start of the Nebraska game. You can see how cloudy it was getting.

They finished the roof about 7:00 except Jeremy and Marvin had to run back to Jerry's to get a few more shingles. It was dark by the time the got back up there on the roof with flashlights but they needed to finish since rain was in the forecast.

The Oregon Duck game started shortly after 7 and Morgan had to sit by Uncle Ricky to watch the game.

I am so thankful for my family. They helped so much. Oh, I cooked and cleaned up the mess.

To be continued

Blessings
Janet

Prayer request, Emmas princess birthday party Football games, Sundays sermon, the cats

2011-09-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday! Wow we have a lot going on here. Please pray for my mom Ruth. She will be having surgery on Tuesday morning. I pray for a successful surgery and the Lord guides the surgeons hands. I pray that she, my dad, sister Joyce and brother Danny all feel our Heavenly Fathers comfort, peace and strength while they wait. My parents pastor and her husband will also be there. I am so thankful to have family that can be there waiting together and I am thankful that I know Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior will be there with them all too.

Our Grand daughter Emma in Georgia recently had a tea party birthday party. Her mommy (Jennifer) my daughter and her mil Lori decorated beautifully. I wish I could have been there. It looked like a lot of fun.

Football-In our house it is GO BIG RED for the Nebraska Huskers and GO OREGON DUCKS. Yesterday both games were on at the same time so Marvin was switching the TV back and forth. Holly and Ricky were down so they could go to the Duck Game. Both teams won.

Today's Church service was good. First there was a baby dedication. It just happens that the people are from Nebraska and they had their little little guy in a red Nebraska huskers shirt. It was kind of funny since Nebraska played Washington state yesterday and that is where our Pastors used to live. In fact Marvin and Pastor Barry bet a milkshake on who would win the game. (Nebraska won)

The sermon was the first in a series of Meals with Jesus. I learned today that Jesus had some of the most significant moments while he was sharing a meal. I also learned that Jesus chose Levi the tax collector to follow him. We followed the verses below

Luke 5:27-3

Jesus Calls Levi and Eats With Sinners

"²⁷ After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, ²⁸ and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. ²⁹ Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. ³⁰ But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
³¹ Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ³² I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Next Wednesday night we will share a meal with a small group and discuss why Jesus called Levi to follow him.

Update on the cats. They are getting better and better each day. Friday when Marvin got home from work he called me and said the rugs were messed up, the place mats from the table were on the floor and Tigers hair was scattered everywhere, Khloe likes to chase Tiger and Tiger is long haired so he is shedding alot. It is kind of like having a new baby in the house.......

Hope you have a wonderful week ahead and remember to stay in the day and enjoy your life as it is. Make the most of what you have instead of what you don't have and count your blessings instead of your worries.

Janet

Happy Wednesday and Thankful Thursday

2011-09-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

This is such a late in the day post that I decided to combine a Happy Wednesday and Thankful Thursday. I am so grateful for all the blessings we have and some times it is the littiest blessing that me me happiest of all.

I am thankful that my daughter Holly got to sit outside Saturday morning with her dad and I and enjoy the birds and have coffee

I am thankful for a co worker Andrea that thought everyone needed a waffle on Tuesday so she brought he waffle iron in. She also brought in some of her homemade berry syrup.

I am thankful that it did not rain for our Church picnic last weekend. It was however very hot and I got a little too warm and didn't feel well the rest of the day.

I am thankful that finally it is started to cool off. I am so ready for fall and the rain (after we get on the new roof)

I am thankful for Marvin. He is taking care of all the calls and stuff to get ready for our new roof. Our son Jeremy knows a lot about roofing and he has been a good resource. We did head to Jerry’s so I could pick out the color of the shingles. My help in this project is cooking and making sure they have drinks and whatever else they may need.

I am thankful that Khloe and Tiger are settling down somewhat. They don’t seem to be fighting but just running through the house during the NIGHT. I think they sleep all day!

Poor Tiger was so sleepy

I am thankful that baby Jordan our great nephew is continuing to do well. What a miracle. Below is Gaylene's face book posting.

"My lil man is 2lbs 14ozs today and up to 17cc's on formula. AND I never thought I'd be so proud when he dodo in the diaper!! Mike and I are are amazed at his progress and thankful for all the love, prayers, and support from everyone. Thank you isn't enough....xoxoxoxo!"

I am thankful for Klove radio station. I get so much encouragement by listening to the songs and the words that are shared.

I am thankful for that we have a few pumpkins on our pumpkin patch. For some reason they did not multiply like normal although we have a few big ones.

I am thankful for the fresh tomatoes that a co worker Carlene has been sharing from her garden. We love tomatoes.....

Have a good week!

Blessings!

Janet

Thankful Thursday

2011-09-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

I am thankful that my great nephew Jordan and my niece Gaylene are both doing well. Gaylene has been dismissed from the hospital and she has been updating by facebook. Jordan is back to his birth weight and doing well. His mommy Gaylene gets to hold and rock him. I give all the glory to God for this miracle. He is such a cutie.

I am thankful that Jennifer, Matt, Emma and Logan had a fun vacation in Orlando and had a safe trip home.

I am thankful that Holly and Ricky got out of New Orleans last Friday as the weather was just starting to get bad. They had a fun time in New Orleans and in Dallas.

I am thankful that we have air conditioners. It has been really hot here plus there are fires close and the air is full of smoke.

I am thankful for our Church and I am excited to start the 8 weeks of Meals with Jesus. The first sermon starts this week and then on Wednesday evening we will be having dinner with a small group to discuss the sermon. These sermons are based upon 8 passages of scripture from the Gospel of Luke. Our first one is called " In Levis Home. Luke 5:27-32 Jesus calls Levi to be his disciple which is unexpected because Levi is a tax collector."

I am thankful for our new kitty Khloe. Things are not going as well as I thought they would. Khloe is still chasing Tiger all over and they have not yet made friends. But this is a picture I snapped with them looking at each other.

I am thankful to hear all my grandkids had a great first day at school

Kayla 2nd grade

Emma 2nd grade

Morgan pre school

Logan pre school

I have been experimenting with some new recipes so I will be posting about those soon.

Have a Happy Thursday!

Blessings!

Janet

Khloe

2011-09-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

I had been missing my baby kitty really bad. Last Friday we head out to the Humane society to see all the cats that were their for adoption. We we looking for a female cat that was a couple years old that had be used to other dogs and cats. Here is Khloe, she is about 2 and a half years old.

The first night we brought her home she was shy and stayed hidden most of the time. Saturday afternoon she came out and just took over the place. Her and Max seem to get along okay.

Tiger (our 6 year old cat) really does not want anything to do with her. Last night Khloe was chasing Tiger around and it scared him. This is not at all like Tiger because he normally dominates the house. Marvin got up during the night and Khloe was in the condo (Tiger thinks he own it) he removed her since he did not want Tiger to get mad. Today we headed put to buy another condo.

Tiger walked right across the entertainment center and got in it and now he think that one is his too. Khloe is hiding again.

Have a Blessed week!

Janet

Also thanks for all the prayers for Jordan and Gaylene. They both are doing much better.

Happy 7th birthday to our Grandaughter Emma

2011-09-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

7 years ago we patiently well not patiently waiting for the call from from our son in law Matt in Germany that Emma had been born. What a beautiful blessing we received with this little girl. We headed to Germany when Emma was 6 weeks old and I could not get enough of her. I held her so much. Here we are

and papa held her alot too

This is Emma today on her first day of school.

This is when we were in Georgia visiting in March. We were so happy to watch Emma receive an award and eat lunch with her.

Emma is such a sweet little girl.

She loves to read

ride her bike

dance

sing

play games

play with friends

go camping

play Wii and beat Papa

she love her family

and she loves God

Here she is with her little brother her mom (our daughter) and her dad

Happy Birthday Emma we love you!

Nana & Papa

Prayers for baby Jordan and his mom and dad

2011-08-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

I am asking for prayers for our niece Gaylene's baby boy Jordan. He was born last Saturday night. Gaylene was only 28 weeks along. He weighed 2lbs and 11 oz. Pray for healing for Jordan and strength, comfort and peace for his mom Gaylene and his dad Mike. Also pray that they feel the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer request baby Jordan

2011-08-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

Our niece Gaylene delivered baby Jordan late last night. She was only 28 weeks along. He weighed 2 lbs and 11 ozs. Please pray that God guides the Nurses and Doctors to help baby Jordan as he fights for his life. Pray that God lays his hand on Jordan and his mom Gaylene so they can feel his presence and love.

Blessings
Janet

Family time, a birthday party and a update on Gaylene

2011-08-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

Please continue to pray for our niece Gaylene. She is 27 weeks pregnant with pre eclampsia. I do know that she is home so I need to get more information.

Update in the Update
I recieved a call from Gaylenes mother late this morning and she has been readmitted to the hospital and she will be there until she has the baby. Please keep her and baby Jordan in your prayers.

FAMILY TIME AND A BIRTHDAY PARTY
We have had a busy week with family in town. Saturday morning we did have time to sit out in the backyard and enjoy the cool air and a fire in the fire pit. They even roasted some marshmallows. It was about 7 am......we were all early birds.

Morgan also could not get enough of papas goulash (she likes it cold) Look at Max he wanted some too....

Kayla even took a little morning snooze for about 3 minutes

the sun came out and was warmed up enough for the girls to play on the swing set

Soon we headed in the house to get ready to go to the park for Morgans party. Morgan helped daddy put blue sprinkles on the cupcakes

Morgan got the balloons together and it was time to head to the park for the party

Time to open presents

she loved her umbrella

It was a great birthday party at the park.

Blessings

Janet

Urgent Prayer request

2011-08-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

I have an urgent prayer request for our niece Gaylene that is 27 weeks pregnant. She has a severe case of preeclampsia and has been hospitalized for the remainder of her pregnancy. Please pray that God lays his healing hands on Gaylene and baby Jordan and that he guides the hands of the physicians and nurses

Also please pray for Marvin's sister Kay (Gaylene's mother). to feel peace and trust in our God as he reveals his plan.

Blessings
Janet

A wrap up of our coast trip from last week-and the not so good

2011-08-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

On our last full day at the ocean we headed to the lighthouse and the tide pools. It was a little warm in the sun and the flies were really bad. I think I had over 20 flies on me so I was constantly swatting at them. The view was beautiful as we hiked up to the lighthouse.

The sky was so blue.

Sara and Kayla were looking down at the tide pools

The seals were laying out enjoying the sun

It was slippery so we were being extra careful and the flies seemed to be so much worse.

I was busy snapping pictures and swatting flies

look at this beautiful tide pool. It was about 2 feet deep

This was the last picture I took with my camera because as I was swatting the flies I dropped my camera in the tide pool. It sunk to the bottom. Marvin retrieved it for me. The memory card still works but my new camera was less that 6 months old and it does not work. I was so disappointed with myself. Now I am back to using my old camera but that is okay because there is nothing wrong with it. This old one is just bigger than my new one. And I thank God that nothing worse than that happened.

Overall our trip was so great! Lots of family time and a beautiful view.

Have a great weekend!

Blessings

Janet

Happy 5th birthday Morgan

2011-08-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th birthday to our granddaughter Morgan.

She is such a sweet little girl that know what she likes. Some days she is a princess. She love nature and bugs and spiders are her "best friends". Right now she is in to Carz the movie.

Recently she noticed that I had blue eyes. (blue is her favorite color) When we were on the coast together she told me how pretty my eyes were. Yesterday when she arrived at my house she was in my face so she could look at my blue eyes. It was so cute. I got out some baby pictures and showed her that her eyes were blue when she was a baby. That made her very happy although she has the prettiest green eyes now.

Morgan is such a blessing and I thank God for placing her in my family.

Happy Anniversary Jennifer and Matt

2011-08-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to our daughter Jennifer and son in law Matt. It is hard to believe how 9 years have past so quickly.

You have been blessed with a beautiful family and we are so proud that God has blessed us too with such a wonderful family. You bring us so much joy and happiness

Congratulations!

Love

Mom and Dad

Our First Full Day at the coast

2011-08-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

Everyone was up so early and we headed outside in our jammies to breathe in the cool ocean air and look at the great view. It was around 6 am. We made the girls some hot chocolate.

It was so cold that Sara needed to snuggle and keep the girls warm

I grabbed a cup of coffee and in my jammies to join in on the fun. Lovely hair huh???

Where was papa? He was making pancakes for breakfast of course.

Soon it was time to go into town so I could find a pillow at Walmart. Normally I drag one with me but Marvin said the car was too full....Oh well I needed a new one anyway.

We also found a nice fish place called the Chowder Bowl to eat lunch. I had the fish and chips and they were yummy.

We then headed out to find the beach,

Morgan caught a ride on daddy's shoulders

Kayla and Sara stopped to pose for a cute picture.

We had to first get across all the seaweed to find the water

The water was very cold

Once we got back I had one thing in mind. Relaxing, reading and drinking coffee

Morgan played with her seashells

Kayla read her book

Papa read his book

Sara also was reading but I did not get a picture of her. Jeremy was busy working

It was also nice just to enjoy the view

After a while we went to the pool. Normally I do not get in but I decided I would. We had the pool all to ourselves.

Morgan is like a little fish much like her daddy was when he was her age

Kayla does very well in the water too

Papa even got in the pool

I was able to swim laps and until I hit my foot on the ladder in the 5 ft.

I have the fattest feet and I hate my toes but I enlarged the photo so you could see my bruise

It still hurts and I am limping around. I always have at least one injury on vacation.

Soon it was time to go back and see the sunset.

It was another great family day at the beautiful Oregon Coast.

Blessings

Janet

Sunflowers and arriving at the coast

2011-08-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we headed up to Holly's to drop the dog and cat off so she could babysit. We were looking forward to 4 nights at the ocean with Jeremy, Sara, Kayla and Morgan. Marvin had found this country music station on the radio and listened to Tammy Wynette, and some various others artists that I grew up listening so I was in heaven. When the song Dumas Walker came on I was just singing until I realized we missed our turnoff to Holly's. We had never done that before. (by the way Marvin was driving) LOL....I never thought we would find a place to turn around. All worked out okay and we had a good lunch with Holly, Ricky, Ricky's brother and his wife and Ricky's dad. Ricky smoked pizza on the trager for us it was so yummy.

Next it was off to met Jeremy and his family to head to the coast. Once we met up we were on our way. We had a few pit stops. We found a veggie stand with a beautiful field of sunflowers. We took a few pictures

Morgan stayed close because there were bees everywhere.

Back in the car and we are armed with some fresh cucumbers, blackberries and tomatoes.

And then we arrived. This was our view from our room

Morgan and Kayla grabbed their bubbles

It was so sunny but cool out.

Jeremy cooked some burgers on the grill and Kayla and Marvin got out the binoclurs

while the sun was getter lower and lower.

the beauty was breathtaking

and I thanked God for his creation and the beautiful day we had with our family.

Blessings

Janet

Home from our beautiful Oregon coast vacation

2011-08-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

This was the view from our room at the coast. We had four wonderful nights and five days there in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

We had so much fun. Our son Jeremy, daughter in law Sara, granddaughters Kayla and Morgan went with us so I have many stories to tell some good and some not so good. I will be posting over the next few days. For now I am going to get rested and prepare for my dentist appointment in the morning.

Blessings
Janet

Thankful Thusday

2011-08-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

I am thankful that I had 16 years to spend with my McKenzie. I still miss her so much. We received this nice sympathy card from our vet’s office with her paw prints. That made me really cry…

I am thankful that my husband was able to stay with McKenzie and hold her during her last minutes on earth. That was very comforting to me.

I am thankful that my son Jeremy daughter in law Sara and granddaughters Kayla and Morgan surprised me Tuesday at work. It was so good to get those much needed hugs. Morgan (who will be 5 this month) said that I need to go get a new kitty and this time it needs to be black. LOL…

I am thankful that our friend Raelene was not hurt seriously in an accident on Saturday. She was on her four wheeler crossing the road to get her mail when a car hit her. She was life flighted to the hospital but released the next day. She has a big head gash and alot of bruising and is very sore.

I am thankful for these little flower pots that Kayla and Morgan made for Marvin for his birthday. The flowers are finally blooming.

I am thankful for the text message that I got from my daughter Jennifer that my grandson Logan had picked his photo book that I made for him to take with him camping so he could "read" it to his mom. That is so adorable. I had pictures of when we were in Georgia and we got to spend a lot of time with the kids. I guess that Emma lays on her bed and looks her photo album We really miss them.

I am thankful for water. I really take it for granted. I drink mostly bottled water and I have to break myself of that bad habit because our water here is good. I was listening to KLove and they were raising money for families in Rwanda so they can have clean water.

I am thankful for air conditioners. We just have window air conditioners here since we normally only need them on occasion. It has been in the mid 80’s which his hot for us here so I am glad we have air.

I am thankful that Matt and Nicole were able to deliver a healthy baby girl this week and pray that she gives them so much joy.

I am thankful that a couple of our pumpkin seeds have grown into plants. In the past years we have had so many. This year it seems like we are not going to have as many. We did not plant tomatoes this year but were surprised by a volunteer tomato plant. I had never heard of that . My mom told me that they have had some in the past but they normally don’t yield. But look here they have flowers on them.

I am thankful that my daughter Holly and son in law Ricky had a safe white water rafting trip; Holly thinks we should go with them sometime. I am not so sure about it because it would be fun and I like the water but not the sun so much.

Have a great day!
Blessings
Janet

The weekend!

2011-07-31T16:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been hard and I have been in tears on and off missing my baby kitty. Every night she would jump on my bed wanting me to pet her and then when I put my hands under the covers she knew it was time to go lay on the end of the bed. Friday night the first night without her was just so difficult. I know it is going to take time.

Saturday morning we got up and around and I washed the bed up and hung out the sheets. There is nothing better than fresh sheets blowing in the warm wind.

Then it was time to head to the Saturday market. It is interesting just to people watch but our reason for going was to get some Olive bread and fresh veggies.

It was so warm and there were people everywhere.

We bought some of these yummy tomatoes and had some with Dinner.

I just love sunflowers and couldn't walk away without a picture.

Look at the beauty of these flowers.

I can't remember what this flower was called but look at all the layers and how it just fans out.

There was all kinds of food and pastries available.

Have you ever heard of Dakota Black popcorn? I had a few pieces and it tasted like popcorn but was really crunchy. I wish I would have bought some.

I had one of these meat pastries for lunch. I had the traditional which had ground beef, potatoes, cheddar cheese, turnips and onions. It was small but so yummy. I am not sure who that lady was in my picture.

This bread was so good. We bought the Olive bread....Yummy.....

and then on the way out we were entertained with this young boy and this man ( I think it was his dad) singing. They were really good and drew a large crowd. We stood and listened to him for a while .

Later after a nap Marvin made a "surprise dinner" He breaded pork chops. It turns our he dipped them in eggs and then into crushed Cheetos. He saw this on Food TV chopped show. They were great. I thought it was just a bread crumb coating. He also sauteed some zucchini in olive oil and we had a fresh tomato and cucumbers.. It was a great dinner.

Today Sunday we served all morning at Church and then I came home and crashed and took a short nap. It has been in the mid-80's which is too warm for me. My sister Joyce called. We talked for a while and she told me her father in law always said that pets souls were pure and when they died they go straight to heaven. I believe that.

As I am writing this our 6 year old cat Tiger is searching my for my baby kitty. His crying is breaking my heart so once again I am in tears. It is so hard.

Blessings to you all & have a good week ahead!
Janet

Even though it was time it is was hard to say goodbye

2011-07-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it was apparent that Mckenzie (aka baby kitty) my 16 year cat was not getting better as we hoped. We made the decision that it was time for her to be pain free. Marvin made the appointment yesterday for this morning. After he told me the time I just cried and cried. I spent time with her last night. This morning confirmed that she was so sick. She had vomited all over and I walked through it. I went ahead and went to work because I knew that I could never be with her during this time. Marvin (bless his heart) stayed with her. He said they gave her a sedative while he held her and then they continued the procedure. I had been praying all night and morning and at 9:30 (her appointment time) I felt a calm peaceful feeling so I know that it was reassurance from Jesus that it was okay he would take over from there.

IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

--- Anonymous ---

Rest in peace baby kitty, you gave is many years of laughter and joy.

An update on baby kitty and last Sundays Sermon

2011-07-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

Our cat McKenzie seems to be getting better so at this time we are going to continue to the 10 day cycle of antibiotics. I am thankful that we don’t have a make any decisions at this point and she is feeling better and acting like herself. Yesterday I was the one that gave her the shot. I actually did really well so I think I will be the person to administer it( we have 6 more days)

Last Sunday we had a great sermon. Once again I felt the Holy Spirit words flowing through Pastor Barry’s sermon. It was like I was sitting on the edge of my seat not wanting it to end. The title of the sermon was “A key to a healthy relationship”. Barry talked about selfishness and ways to become unselfish and a better listening and how this will strengthen relationships. This is not only in married life but with family and friends too.

Selfishness is the source of conflicts and short circuits our prayers. He talked about considering the needs of others by making what is important to the other person important to you. He talked about really listening and letting the other person tell it their way without interrupting. I get so much about of Pastor Barry's sermons and these are some of the examples about how I have had so much spiritual growth by hearing words of how to live like Jesus did.

I am looking forward to attending the Women of Faith Conference for the first time with my daughter Holly and some of the women that are in Church. I am so excited. My sister Joyce told me I will really like it and then my friend Marci told me the same thing. Sandi Patti and Mandisa are both going to be there so I am excited to hear them both sing.

Have a blessed day!

Janet

It has been quite a week

2011-07-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

We have really had a busy week. Besides a stressful busy work week for both of us we have had some issues that we had to deal with that have just left us exhausted.

First I had to go in and see the Doctor and have some tests ran. I got quite a scare on Wednesday with the preliminary results but found out by Friday that everything is okay and I thank God for that.

The Company Marvin works for is officially sold. He still has a job but the health insurance is not as good as his last one so we are sorting out pros and cons on his insurance or whether to go on my insurance. Either way it is still costing us a lot more. I am however grateful that we can have health insurance and he still has his job.

Earlier this week our 16 year old Calico cat Mckenzie (aka baby kitty) had used the carpet in the bedroom and on the floor instead of the litter box. I discovered she was bleeding. She has been losing weight and was not acting right. We took her to the vet yesterday and we were given the "quality of life talk". Since the vet could not get a urine test he just gave us antibiotics to treat her for a possible kidney infection.

He gave her a shot and sent us home with more shots to give her. He showed us how to give a shot. Marvin just gave the first one which was quite interesting but I could not get a picture because I had to hold her. This afternoon she did not seem to be better at all. By Monday if she is not better we have decided to put her to sleep which is not going to be easy.

Then first thing this morning we zoomed up the freeway ( 2 hour drive) to help our son Jeremy and his family move. It was a quick trip but someone needed to keep tabs of the girls so that was my job which I enjoyed.

They were really good but could not wait to go swimming. I went with them to the pool to see how the water felt. It was just morning and there were already a few kids in the pool although it was already around 80.

We got home and I took a quick nap. It is about 85 here now which is our high for the summer. Tomorrow it is supposed to be 87. While this is HOT to us we have a lot of family and friends in this heat wave so we are not complaining.

Hope everyone is staying cool!

Blessings !

Janet

Sometimes you just have to

2011-07-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to let the kid come out of you again

even if you don't fit in the swing and know that people are watching

you need to be able to feel the air on your face as you swing higher and higher

and you need to laugh and laugh and laugh even if you need help getting your swing stopped

you need to climb to the top even if your granddaughter is asking what you are doing

you need to go down the biggest slide that says only for kids under 12

you need to look at the world from a different level

you need to live in the moment and watch the kids smile

and give thanks and praise for the little ones because that is what life is all about.

A bath and haircut for Max

2011-07-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Normally we take our 14 year old American Eskimo Max into a groomer for his bath and haircut. It is quite a bit of stress on him (the dog) and so he has to take a tranquilizer and then Marvin has to assist the groomer. After Max came home last year the tranquilizer made him sick and I mean sick like the runs. So this year we decided to wash and cut our dog ourselves. When Jeremy and Sara were here for 4th of July we took him in. It was a family affair.

Here Jeremy and Sara are getting instruction on how the water worked along with all the shampoos.

Morgan is with Papa just watching

and then they start the bath, notice Jeremy has a Pink camouflage apron that his wife picked for him

Kayla and Morgan even got to wear an apron but Morgan did not want to look up

Max is looking happy here as he gets dried

and then before we move to the haircut table Jeremy lets Max know what is happening

Onto the table and then what? This is a first

Jeremy got right in there and started to shave. Sara is actually in this picture too but you cannot see her holding Max.

I guess I did not snap a picture right after the haircut so I took this one from the morning. Max was being playful because he wanted a treat.

and then I have this picture of Max sleeping and all curled up on his bed in the car on the way back from camping last weekend. Precious isn't it. I have got to tell you that I love animals but 14 years when Jeremy and his dad went to LOOK at this puppy and they brought him home I cried because I did not want a dog. However, I was reassured that this dog was Jeremy's. With Max's personality it just did not work for Jeremy to take him when he left home so he became our dog. Max favors me now and I love him to pieces. His health has been failing now for a couple of years as his aging progresses and I do not look forward to when it is time to say goodbye I thank God for creating Max and revealing his plan that he would teach me so much about love.

Blessings

Janet

Our camping adventure

2011-07-12T20:03:00.000-07:00

This campground that we stayed at is a Christian campground which made me happy. There are several campsites, some cabins (only 2 with plumbing) a big hall where there are dorms and an apartment and a beautiful old Tabernacle Church that was built in late 1800's. It is huge and probably seats 1200. The church part is all original and then in the back they put in restrooms. What a gorgeous site it was and to tour and feel all the history in it. I did not snap any pictures in doors just because I felt it to be too sacred.

Isn't the stained glass pretty?

I am not a camper. I did camp when I was growing up and was a girl scout and camped but I like to have a restroom and a shower. I guess I am just spoiled. So when our daughter Holly and son in law Ricky invited us to camp we had a few guidelines like we needed a cabin…..LOL….

Look at this great cabin. ….

Do you see it? Bunk beds

We weren’t sure what to do until I noticed the chair was a futon.

So our first night we settled in fine. Marvin kept waking me up because I was snoring. I would wake up and stay awake then to hear him snore…..but every time he moved I heard the bed making a noise. At 2:30 am Marvin turned on the light to see that his bed was broke and pulled the mattress on the floor. We went back to sleep until Ricky and Holly walked over in the morning. They had Max with them because pets were not allowed in the cabin. Ricky and Marvin fixed the bed and we went over to Ricky’s Grandparents camp site (they are the hosts for the campground)

This is where we spent most of our time outside playing games, eating and just visiting

We started the morning with pancakes, eggs and bacon.Yummy. I have not had pancakes for years because we usually have waffles. But these were made with the Aunt Jamima mix the reminded me of when I was growing up.

Then it was time to break out the cards and play some more 10 point pitch. We had already played a couple of games the night before. We had so much fun. Here we were playing inside the 5th wheel because it was so windy.

Before long Ricky’s grandpa Red got out his golf cart. In this picture Holly is getting ready to take Marvin for a ride. No special driver license needed??? Next Holly insisted on taking both me and Marvin on a ride. And it was a ride. There is a path that has blackberry bushes and neddles on both sides. Holly was cruising along until we saw a little hill that we had to go up. Holly made a run for it and we got up the hill and started to go down into the brush in front of us where the creek was. I was sitting in the middle and was screaming for them to let me out because I was laughing so hard I thought I would have an accident.

I was really get a good workout

Take a look at this picture. Holly said her dad was laughing at a joke. But can you see the awesome picture she captured with the roped ball that was straight in the air. I am not sure what I was doing when she shot this picture.

Holly put her feet in the creek

For a late lunch we had some yummy shish kabobs. We had some purple potatoes. I had never had them before but they were yummy.

Then it was more fun time for Holly and Ricky on the golf cart whipping cookies (it made me a little nervous) but they were just having fun. Too much fun. I got the giggles again.

There was also time to play horseshoes and basketball

and then there was the bean bag toss too

Some enjoyed just watching. Ricky's Grandpa Red was sitting in the golf cart waiting for bugs to get near so he could turn on his shock racket.

Much later we had a hot dog and marshmallow roast over the campfire. It really cooled down fast.

The moonlight was beautiful

and the campfire was cozy and warm

Sunday morning came way too early. Everyone but me went to Church because I did not feel comfortable leaving Max, Shane and Sheila (Holly and Ricky’s dogs) alone. The quiet time was good for me although I had some excitement with the dogs. Shane was trying to move the brick across the road close to Ricky and Holly's car. But I was able to get the dogs relocated and started reading my new book. This book is so good and I would highly recommend it. The author is Tamera Alexander and I am currently reading the Fountain Creek Chronicles. I previously read Timber Ridge Reflections and that is when I discovered this wonderful Christian author.

This camping weekend has helped me see that I spend too much time on the computer and watching TV. I loved the fresh air, the birds, the outdoor games, the silence, but most of all I loved the fellowship with our family.

Blessings
Janet

A Final wrap up of family time and pictures

2011-07-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

To conclude our evening a few weekends back we were able to light a fire in Holly and Ricky's fire pit. Logan had to assist Uncle Ricky getting the wood chopped and loaded

and of course your notice that the fire pit says Go Ducks on it

Ricky also was smoking some Corn on the Cob and tater tots

and then was time to grill some marshmallows for smores

sometime for leisure

and then time for the kids to lay down for a sleepover

while the adults stayed outside and chatted all evening long

It really got chilly and you can see the kids got back up

It was the most wonderful day that we got to spend with our family and I thank God for every moment we had.

Blessings
Janet

I am really behind on my blogging. We just got back from camping and I have a lot of stories to share about our fun. Have a good week!

4th of July fun

2011-07-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

Jeremy, Sara, Kayla and Morgan all came down on Sunday night to start our 4th of July festivities. We lite a few fireworks out in the front

Yesterday on 4th of July we headed out to the Ems baseball game for a picnic, the game and fireworks afterwards.

Kayla looked so cute

Marvin ,Jeremy and Sara enjoying themselves

Morgan enjoying a hamburger

We had good seats to see the game

Kayla and Nana

Morgan with the Ems bear

A cherry snow cone

The game was over and the Ems won again making it 13 wins in a row. The time the game got over 10:00 so it was late but it was just a few minutes until we saw this

but I love this

seeing the amazing glare on our faces while I sat with Morgan and Kayla

and while America the beautiful was played

I silently thanked God for our freedom, my family and friends. We enjoyed spending the evening at the game and we thank Tom and Donna Foster from Strapworks for the sponsoring the event and the tickets.

Have a blessed day!
Janet

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

I recently read this on someones Face book page and I thought I would share.

The American flag does not fly because the wind moves past it. The American flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died protecting it. American soldiers don't fight because they hate what's in front of them...they fight because they love what's behind them."

Thank you to our own soldier our son in law Matt for doing all you do and your sacrifices that you have made so we can be safe and free. We love you!
With the sun in her eyes Kayla proudly shows Papa and Nana's new flag that we purchased from Emma.

God Bless America!
Blessing!
Janet

Update on Sheila

2011-07-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

My friend Sheila is home from the hospital. She had brain surgery last Thursday. Praise the Lord! Thank you all your your prayers!

Have a Happy and Safe 4th!
Janet

More Family Fun

2011-07-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

Fun times with Papa playing a game with the girls

Morgan and Logan playing with Uncle Ricky. Look at the laughter. It makes me smile.

Aunt Holly giving horsey rides

Swimming in the hot tub was just right for the 4 little ones. Daddy aka Uncle Matt was helping out.

Jennifer and Holly sorting through their old dolls and barbie stuff.

and then the kids want to help out

Logan checking out Papa's heart with the play Stethoscope

Jeremy and Sara chilling out

Holly and Ricky having a toast to fun family times

and what was I doing? Enjoying my family of course.

I will be wrapping up the family pictures with one last post in a few days.

Have a great weekend!

Blessings!

Janet

An Update on my friend Sheila

2011-07-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

I thought I would give a couple of quick updates on my friend Sheila. Yesterday (Thursday) was her brain surgery. The surgery and recovery went well and then she was in admitted to ICU. I just got word that she is now in her own room but is having a bit of pain. (that is to be expected) Thanks for all the prayers and most I all I lift all Glory up to our Father in Heaven.

Blessings
Janet

Thankful Thursday

2011-06-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

I am thankful that I started this BLOG. I have met so many nice people along the way and have been encouraged and inspired with the nice comments that are left. The reason I started it was because we have so much family that live out of town and this is my way of letting everyone know what is going on. It has had been a great way to journal. Today I received this cute little thank you note from my mom and she wrote that she feels like she is living our daily lives with us. That comment made me so happy. Isn't this a cute little card?

I am thankful that our 14 year old dog Max is getting a little better. We had to take him to the Vet last week because of breathing problems. He is still waking us up during the night but I still think he is a little better. I just snapped this picture because I could not find one.

I am thankful that my son Jeremy drove 2 hours just to take the dog to the vet with us last week. The dog actually started out as Jeremy’s dog but he had to leave him behind so I am his mommy. We had a chance to see our grand daughters and Sara too and go out for Dinner.

The vets office had these beautiful fragrant peonies so I snapped a picture on my phone.

I am thankful that we got a heavy rain Tuesday morning to help knock the pollen out of the air. However, in the afternoon there were a lot of cottonwood seeds flying around. It looked like it was snowing. Kind of pretty but I know they will make my allergies flare up.

I am thankful that the floods have not impacted my family and friends back in the Midwest. Well I mean that is has not impacted their homes. My brother in law lost his job because of the flooding

I am thankful that my nephew Scotty went to the ER and ended up having his appendix removed last Sunday. It is important to pay attention to your symptoms. Although I really shouldn''t be speaking because it was 6 days after the pain started that I had my removed a couple of years ago.

I am thankful that I got to chat with my friend Sheila in Nebraska last Sunday. We have reconnected through face book and we have talked a few times. Sheila is undergoing brain surgery today. Please keep her in your prayers.

I am thankful that we were able to show a friend how wonderful our church is. She still goes to our old church which is Lutheran. Our Christian church does things differently and the praise team has us on our feet singing to the glory of God with a complete band. Pastor Barry gave a great sermon like usual and my friend was very happy that she visited.

I am thankful that I was able to change my work schedule so I can get a little more sleep. I love to sleep….

I am thankful that when I called to my brother in law Scott for his birthday Monday I was also to talk to my sister Joyce and my nephew Brandon. Brandon is a chef and I am trying to persuade him to sign up for one of the Chefs competition shows on the Food Network.

I am thankful that we live in a free country and the word “God” still is in some things. It made me think about how you still have to swear under oath in court. I don’t see how that could ever be taken away.

I am thankful for facebook. I have connected with old classmates, friends and cousins that I do not get see. or talk to so it is good to get all caught up on them and their families.

I am thankful that Holly got home safely the other night after babysitting for her nieces (my grandkids) so my son and daughter in law could go out to a work event, The special premiere movie didn't start until Midnight so Holly did not get home until after 3 am. She even had to get up in a few hours and go to work. What a good Auntie she is. Here she is was Kayla

With that I will close. I still have a lot more family pictures to post in my upcoming posts.

Have a blessed day!

Janet

An awsome photo and a prayer request

2011-06-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I snapped a picture of this rainbow around the sun. Isn't it awesome? I looked on the Internet and found this definition.

" The ring is caused by sunlight being diffracted as it passes through cirrostratus clouds that are usually at altitudes above 20,000 feet. Cirrostratus clouds are composed mostly of small ice crystals that spread out into a thin layer. They are sheet-like, and the sun can be seen through them easily."

I have a request for all my prayer warriors. My friend Sheila, from Nebraska will be having brain surgery this Thursday June 30th. This surgery is to hopefully take the pain away from a condition called trigemeninal neuralgial. She is been on medication for several years and it has stopped working and her pain is terrible. The name of the surgery that she is having is called micro vascular decompression (mvd) and the procedure can be viewed here .

I called and chatted with Sheila yesterday. She is ready for the pain to go away. We have been friends for over 30 years and our families had spend a lot of time together before we moved to Oregon. Below is my prayer for her. Will you pray it with me?

I pray to you Father in Heaven that you be with Sheila during her delicate brain surgery. Lord I pray you guide the surgeon’s hand on Sheila that she may be healed and free of pain. I ask you to fill her family and friends with your love and peace. I ask this through your sons Jesus name. Amen

I will update as soon as I have any word.

Have a blessed Monday!
Janet

Family fun with pinatas

2011-06-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

For our family gathering I decided that it would be fun to continue on with our theme "Fiesta" so we bought two pinatas one for the kids (a guitar) and one for the adults ( a red pepper).

It was fun shopping. I went to the dollar store and bought some small toys and candy. We also added some quarters. So after taking the family pictures we started with the kids. Of course first there were directions from me Nana

They took turns youngest to oldest first up was Logan

Morgans picture is MIA so here is Emma

and then Kayla

we let them each have two turns and it was not even making a dent. So then Jennifer told me that the ribbons hanging down were meant to pull one by one and then it would open when the last ribbon was pulled so here is Morgan

It was cute becasue she was ready with her bag open

and then Jennifer helped it along. Logan was covering his head

It was so much fun. The kids were actually picking and choosing what they wanted.....LOL

Next it was time for the adults. It was a little different. We drew names for the order they were going to hit. Of course there was instructions, does it look like I have their attention?

The order was Jeremy, Holly, Jennifer, Sara, Matt and Ricky. Poor Ricky didn't get a turn because Matt broke it. It was crazy

We had some interesting things in the pinata because the game was not over. They were instructed to pick up everything and then sit down with their stuff.

Here is Matt saying "is this a tampon?" yes that is what it was but like I told them in the beginning to pick up everything

the next step for my made up rules was everyone to draw another number and then they each had to draw a name.. Starting with the person that drew number one they got to take something from that persons prizes and give them something of theirs. That made it really interesting and the game was not over yet. After all the exchanging was done we had ten lottery scratch off tickets for certain items like the tampon. The moral to the story is since Matt didn't want the tampon he did not win that prize. In fact Matt did not win a prize but since I felt sorry for him I gave him one scratch off ticket anyway. Some of the prizes were lotion, little bottles of alcohol, golf ball and tees, scrooge stamp, a million dollar bill, nuts, pens, flower seeds, gardening gloves (green and yellow GO DUCKS) and some Oregon Duck face tattoos.

What a great time with family fun and a lot of laughter.

Blessings

Janet

Remembering Adam

2011-06-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

It has been 11 years to the day that my nephew Adam entered the Kingdom of Heaven. He left suddenly and was taken away from his family through another person’s sin of murder. Although this person has never been caught, I am assured that he will have to stand in front of God one day for his judgment.

Adam was such a great kid. I am happy that he got to come to Oregon to visit us before he left. He experienced the Pacific Ocean for the first time. Adam was so loved. His birthday was December 30th and mine the 31^st so it was common for us to celebrate a family birthday together. He also was a chef and loved to run.

This picture is at Sea Lion Caves in front of the ocean. From left to right my brother in law Scott, Sister Joyce, nephew Brandon, Marvin, nephew Adam, Jennifer, Jeremy, Holly and me.

This picture was at his graduation with my mom and dad his Grandpa and Grandma.

Left to right nephew Brandon,my sister Joyce holding my baby Holly, nephew Adam and brother in law Scott. I love this picture of Adam.

This picture is all my nieces and nephews with my kids somewhere around 1986 in birth order except for Steven and he was the youngest but we ran out of room. left to right Brandon holding Steven, Adam, Jennifer, Jeremy, Debbie, Scotty, Holly, and Sheena

This picture is of my Jeremy in the highchair with Adam looking on. Weren't they adorable?

I love this picture. Adam loved to rock so we put my Jennifer on the rocking chair with him so they could rock together, We also bought them matching outfits. It looks like Jennifer was holding on because Adam was rocking so fast.

Several years later Adam and Jennifer still rocking.

As you can see we have so may memories of Adam that live on in our hearts and I look forward to meeting him in Heaven someday.

I ran across the little poem below and this is how we feel about Adam. I don't know the author.

When we lose someone we love it seems that time stands still. What moves through us is a silence... a quiet sadness... A longing for one more day... one more word... one more touch... We may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget. We will see you again some day, in a heavenly place where there is no parting. A place where there are no words that mean good-bye

While you are waiting for your family Adam we remember how much you touched our lives and will never be forgotten.

Taking Family Pictures

2011-06-22T06:11:00.000-07:00

This is what it was all about for me. I wanted to have family pictures taken. After lunch we all changed our clothes and headed back outside. Holly and Ricky's neighbor Gordon came over and took pictures for us. First the kids were all in the tree.

I just love this picture

although it did not last long because Logan realized that Morgan was sitting so close.

Then it was on to the family picture

I am so proud of my family and joy was flowing through my heart.

the kids were really getting tired here with a picture with Nana and Papa

I love this pictures of Marvin and I and our three kids.

Our oldest Jennifer her husband Matt, Emma and Logan

Our son Jeremy his wife Sara, Kayla and Morgan

Our daughter Holly and her husband Ricky

So you can see we made many memories of this day that will be forever in my heart. God was shining down on my family that day and showing me all the blessings he has given me. As you can tell my family means everything to me.

Blessings

Janet

Fathers Day Surprise

2011-06-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

We had such a wonderful Fathers Day surprise last Sunday. Marvin and I were serving at Church. We were in between the second and the third services. I was greeting people and Marvin was handing out bulletins. A little girls dress caught my eye and I thought to myself that it looked like the dress my granddaughter Emma was wearing last week. Then I looked up and I saw that it was Emma and then I saw our daughter Jennifer, our grandson Logan and our son-in-law Matt. What a surprise. You see we had a great day last weekend to spend with them and had to say our goodbyes last Sunday not knowing when we would see them again. Their plane didn’t leave from Portland until Sunday night so they decided on a visit to surprise Marvin on Fathers Day and surprised me as well. My heart was full of such joy I was trying to hold back the tears. Several people were able to witness this reunion.

Jennifer and Matt attended worship while the kids played in the nursery. Marvin and I still were serving so we had to attend to our duties.

Jennifer and Matt swung by and got Marvin's favorite, Kentucky Fried Chicken and we sat down for a meal. The kids were eager to play with Nana and Papas toys and also we went out side so they could play on the swing set (we are storing it in our backyard for Kayla and Morgan)

They also had fun playing with papa on the Wii Fitness

Sunday was one of the best days in my life. My heart is bursting full of love and thankfulness that God had blessed us with.

Next Blog to come taking family pictures when we were all together a week ago,

Blessings

Janet

Happy Third Anniversary Holly & Ricky

2011-06-20T06:04:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our daughter Holly and her husband Ricky on their third wedding Anniversary. It seems like it was just yesterday. It was such a beautiful wedding.

This picture was taken by my good friend Stacey. She is a photographer and does beautiful work. She was not the photographer for the wedding but she just snapped a few pictures. This picture of Holly is one of my favorites.

I always love cake pictures so I thought I would share

Today 3 years later happily ever after.

We love you Holly & and Ricky!

Happy Fathers Day Dad

2011-06-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

I was digging through some pictures and found this one of dad that I had taken years ago. I love this picture because it shows dad in his element. Isn't this a beautiful picture? A beautiful blue sky and the beauty of the land. What a blessing!

I wish I could be back there to enjoy the day with you dad!

Happy Fathers Day!

I love you

Janet

Family Time

2011-06-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had a great time when we all three of our kids and their families all met at Holly's and Ricky's house for a day a family time. Our theme was a Fiesta. We started at lunch time with some good food

Yummy peppers for the chicken fajitas

This bean dip was made by our daughter in law Sara and it was so good.

I had the control of the kitchen and just say I was a little bossy

A big bucket of Strawberry Margaritas for the adults

Finally it was time to eat

it was so hard to decide what kind of juice to drink for the kids

and yes Marvin wore his hat hair.....and even shot a picture of himself.

Morgan showing me her owie before eating

Logan was enjoying his plate outside

Holly and Rocky sitting back relaxing

Jennifer and Matt enjoying the food and the sun

Sara relaxing

Kayla and Emma playing soccer with Nana after lunch

Emma Kayla and Morgan all playing under the tree

Morgan and Logan climbing the tree

This is just a small glimpse. More blogs to come on family pictures, pinatas, swimming in the hot tub, sorting the barbies and dolls and enjoying the fire pit.

Blessings
Janet

Our Family

2011-06-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

I just changed the header picture that was taken last Saturday of all our family. I am bursting with joy with the wonderful weekend we had. Below is a pictures of our grand kids. I will post more as time allows. I have so many stories to tell about all the fun we had.

Have a blessed week!
Janet

Thankful Thursday

2011-06-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for a great time spent with our 7 year old granddaughter Kayla last week at the Grandparent day picnic at her school.

I am thankful that our 4 year old granddaughter Morgan was okay after she got stung by a bee. It appears that she is allergic. Her mom did everything right and now will be taking her to the Doctor and showing him a picture of how bad it swelled and the hives she had.

I am thankful that there is email so I can email my blogger friends because I can’t comment on some of their BLOGS.

I am thankful for the new way we figured out to grill Asparagus. It is so yummy.

I am thankful that I have lost 10 pounds so far on weight watchers. It is a slow go but at least a start. My clothes are started to loosen up.

I am thankful my daughter Holly and I got to spend sometime with her BFF Jamie. She is here from Florida. Jamie is expecting a little girl in October. We got to visit with her mom and sister too. It has been 9 years since they graduated from high school. Both Holly and Jamie were cheerleaders so they spent a lot of time together.

I am thankful for the billboard that my church put up. It says "That was awkward" " No One knows the day or hour" Matthew 24:36 Northwoodchristianchurch.org

I am thankful for the sweet birds that love to sing in my back yard. What a wonderful thing to wake up too. Now if I could just have some crickets to sing me to sleep. LOL

Have a wonderful week!

Blessings
Janet

Billboard

2011-06-07T16:57:00.000-07:00

My church just posted this billboard. Isn't it great?

Grandparents picnic with Kayla

2011-06-03T18:05:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun lunch today with our 7 year our granddaughter Kayla at the Grandparents Picnic today at her school. It was such a beautiful sunny day without a cloud in the sky.

When we arrived Kayla wanted me to come over to her desk so she could read to me. She is a very good reader.

They class sang some very cute songs about grandparents.

Each child then got to read a poem that they wrote especially for their grandparents.

She has such beautiful handwriting.

We then headed outside for our picnic. Kayla's Great-Grandma and Grandpa were there too.

Kayla was not very hungry but sat with us for a few minutes. Her teacher came over and told us that she believed that Kayla would be an author one day because she is very good at writing. Her teacher also told us that she is such a wonderful little girl. That did not surprise me. Kayla loves school.

Kayla soon wanted to go and play

and have fun with her friends.

Have a blessed weekend!

Janet

32 Years ago June 1st 1979

2011-06-01T06:03:00.000-07:00

Today Marvin and I are celebrating our 32nd wedding anniversary. Below is the front of our actual wedding invitation that we had printed at the print shop.

Our colors were Peach and Yellow. Back in 1979 it cost 5.00 for our marriage license and 5.00 each for our premartial blood test. I carried yellow roses with white carnations and baby breath.. My wedding dress was bought through the JC Penneys catalog as were my bridesmaid dresses (2 peach and 2 yellow). Our flowers for the church were peach, yellow and white carnations. (I just love the smell of carnations). The groomsmen all wore white tuxedos. We married in the evening in a Lutheran Church. After the ceremony we had cake. punch, mints, nuts, coffee and punch in the Church basement. We had gift openers that opened our gifts and set them out for display so our guests could see what we received. We had our wedding pictures taken after the wedding. We then headed to the Eagles Club for our dance, My parents had hired a Country Music band for us to dance the night away. We still have so many memories of that special evening.

We are continuing to live in God's ordinance of the Holy estate of Matrimony. We vowed to love, comfort, honor, and keep in sickness in health forsaking all others keeping thee only unto each other as long as we both shall live.

We have been so blessed with our family. We have three grown children that are all married. We have four grandchildren that are the light in our lives. We have lived, laughed and loved and will continue on through our journey that God planned for us.

Blessings
Janet

Victoria Wrap up

2011-05-29T18:30:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun on our short trip to Victoria a couple of weeks ago. I still had a few pictures left so I thought I would do a wrap up.

Yummy fish and chips

oyster shooters for Holly and Ricky

A view from our balcony

A water taxi

the beautiful houseboats

A beautiful sunset

Me and my co-workers. We had a wonderful time at lunch while we were there. I get to talk to these ladies all the time but it was nice to get to see them face to face. Jas (the one standing next to me has become a dear friend of mine) and I had the pleasure of meeting Aislyn for the first time.

Going home

The beauty was breathtaking.

We had such a good time in Victoria but since we have been home we have been enjoying life with our family. We are so excited for some upcoming events which I will be blogging about within the next couple of weeks. We have been blessed with good health, jobs, a wonderful Church, family and friends.

Blessings

Janet

A Snapshot of my heart

2011-05-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

A snapshot of my heart. I love what those words say. I heard those words yesterday morning on the way to work on the radio station KLOVE (my favorite Christian radio station)

When I got up yesterday morning I found a copy of "Our daily bread" opened that Marvin had left on the counter for me to read. Here is what it said

I’ve been amazed at the impact that my wife, Martie, has had on the lives of our kids. Very few roles demand the kind of unconditional, self-sacrificing perseverance and commitment as that of motherhood. I know for certain that my character and faith have been shaped and molded by my mom, Corabelle. Let’s face it, where would we be without our wives and mothers?
It reminds me of one of my favorite memories in sports history. Phil Mickelson walked up the 18th fairway at the Masters Golf Tournament in 2010 after his final putt to clinch one of golf’s most coveted prizes for the third time. But it wasn’t his victory leap on the green that had an impact on me. It was when he made a beeline through the crowd to his wife, who was battling life-threatening cancer. They embraced, and the camera caught a tear running down Phil’s cheek as he held his wife close for a long time.
Our wives need to experience the kind of sacrificial, selfless love that has been shown to us by the Lover of our souls. As Paul put it, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Eph. 5:25). Prizes come and go, but it’s the people you love—and who love you—that matter most.

A man who finds a godly wife
Is blest beyond compare;
She is his greatest prize in life—
A treasure rich and rare. —D. De Haan

Life is not about the prizes we win, but the people we love.

Now you can imagine that it made me cry. I reread it and was overjoyed of it message. I just knew it was going to be a great day. Well you know how Satan likes to interfere with your plans. I got to work and said my morning work prayers and started my day. I was going good for about 30 minutes until my computer went crazy. I had a virus. I was lucky that our MIS department was able to get in my computer and clean it up. Yesterday was a deadline day and I was in quite a panic. However I was determined not to let this ruin my day. In the end I made sure I had a great day!

Now for my thankfuls

1. I am thankful that because of all the hype last week about judgement day I was able to talk about Jesus and what the bible said about the no one knowing the end except for God. I think that some people were really scared and this may have led several people to the bible and back to Church again.

2. I am thankful that my daughter Jennifer headaches went away. She believes that she was drinking to much of a drink that contained artificial sweetener. Once she stopped drinking it her headaches went away.

3. I am thankful that the storms were not any worse than they have been in the Midwest. What terrible destruction. My heart goes out to those who have experienced so much loss. I pray that God gives them the strength to continue on and rebuild their lives. I am so scared of storms and coming from Nebraska I know what it feels like to take cover and pray.

4. I am thankful for my family. I just can't say enough. I really enjoy any time I can talk to or spend time with my family. I have been so blessed.

I am going to end there since this post is getting to long,

Have a blessed day!
Janet

Victoria Part 5-More at the Butterfly farm

2011-05-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

There was so much more at the butterfly farm that we got to see. First this bird.

you see how it is sleeping just minding his own business. Well Holly told Marvin to put his foot up up see what would happen.

Of course this bird was not going to be happy. So he started pecking away. You notice that he is still on one foot (the bird) the poor thing just wanted a nap. (that sounds like me)

Next were the beautiful flamingo's. I don't think I have ever seen one before but I thought this one was going to come out of the water after me.

Aren't they beautiful? I got a better picture when I walked around to the other side. They were being really loud.

Now for the turtles. There were a couple of big turtles. We just happened to be there at feeding time. This turtle was my favorite.

He loved his lettuce.

While we were watching another employee came over and told the feeder to mix the lettuce and the hay together otherwise the turtle would not want to eat the hay which is fiber in his diet.

You can see here how he completely turned around trying to get to the lettuce. I then walked off and the rest of the group stayed and watched. They told me that he walked over and ate all his roommates food. LOL.....That is why he is so big. I wish I would have been there so I could have taken a picture of his roommate. They are the same age but he is a lot bigger (and now you know why)

I still have more Victoria pictures to post. But I am stopping for now.

Blessings
Janet

Victoria Part 4-The Butterfly Farm

2011-05-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

The butterfly farm was high on my list of to dos when we were in Victoria. It was actually raining that morning so it was a good time to go.

Upon entering the gardens it was very humid since they were trying to replicate a rain forest.

This exhibit shows the cocoons stages of the butterflies. You notice that some are almost ready to fly.

Holly called me over to take a picture of this butterfly sitting on a rock. I could not see it because it looked like a fish.

Below is one of the moths that this sign is talking about.

It is so beautiful. A lot of these butterflies and moths are flown in from other countries.

They had flowers and plants all over to feed the butterflies.

Those are just a few pictures. Next post will be about the Flamingo's, fish, a bird that like Marvin and the naughty turtle.

Have a blessed Sunday!
Janet

Part 3 -A night walk in Victoria

2011-05-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

Victoria is such a walking city. At night there are several building that are lite up. Holly and Ricky took a night walk every night and persuaded us to go one too. The only hesitation was we had already walked 6 plus miles during the day. I am so glad that we did go one night.

Our son-in-law Ricky just could not get enough of the glass elevator that was lite up. He wanted to just stand there and watch it. Me I was ready to move on....LOL

The Parliament building is beautiful in the daylight but was romantic in the evening. I love this first picture how the light bounced off it and it looked light a star.

It was a chilly beautiful night walk in Victoria

Have a Blessed weekend!
Janet

Victoria Part 2 Copper Jane

2011-05-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

Imagine a beautiful day around 70 degrees the birds are chirping, families are walking and laughing, the water on the harbour is sparkling, the smell of food is in the air and then you see this

It was really interesting and I was not for sure what was going on because there was a lot of people standing around and watching this statue. And then I figured it out. She moved. After googling her later I found out that she is well known. Anyway it was funny to watch her. Holly suggested that Marvin and I have a picture taken with her so here is the first pose

and then Holly wanted to get another angle

and then I was startled as she pushed me away so she could have my man all to herself.

Look at how her expression changed. I was laughing so hard. She entertained us for a while longer. This was another one of my favorites in Victoria.

Have a great Friday!

Blessings
Janet

A video of the seal in Victoria

2011-05-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

My camera has an option to video as well so when we went down to see the seals again I thought I would tape us feeding the seals some fish. . The one seal was turning in circles per Holly's command. Earlier we were watching some other people feed the seals and the birds stole the fish right out of their hands because they waited so long. When Marvin was feeding them I was worried that was going to happen so you can hear me telling him to hurry in the tape. (I hate that part) They were so adorable I am glad I taped them.

I hope this works for everyone. Let me know if any of you have trouble.

Blessings

Janet

Victoria-Part 2

2011-05-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

This picture was of the beautiful sunset overlooking the harbor the first night we stayed.

Sunday morning we had a slight change of plans since there were 15,000 people in town for a 10 K race. Since they ran right by our condo we could not get our car out to go to the Gardens so we took off on foot.

We went down to the docks where the houseboats are. We even were able even to go on a tour. the one that we went through was on the very end. It was so interesting. It had 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. The upper level had the kitchen, living room and deck. It was so beautiful.

While we were down on docks there were the most precious seals that came it close. We bought some fish so we could feed them It was one of the highlights of my trip.

Soon we were off for a long walk to the park. On the way we saw this black squirrel. We had never see one that color so I snapped a photo. Isn't he a cute little fellow?

Soon we were at the Beacon Hill Park. Well not so soon because we walked and walked.

This park so so beautiful and full of flowers. Of course my foot started cramping so we were able to sit and enjoy the peacefulness of the park while Holly and Ricky moved on.

There was a part of this park that had peacocks and turkeys running around on the grounds.

the turtles also caught our attention

There was a small place where you could pay to go in to see the animals but we were able to enjoy them through the fence. The peacocks were so funny. They sounded like a loud cat when they talked. They are the most beautiful and so vibrant with color.

The flowers were so pretty too and it was so a beautiful day to be out walking.

The day wasn't even over yet but I am going to stop here for now. I have so many pictures to share.

Blessings!
Janet

Happy Anniversary Jeremy and Sara

2011-05-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Jeremy and Sara. We love you!

Thankful Thursday

2011-05-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

I have so many things to lift up to the Lord that I thought my Victoria posts could wait a bit. There are pictures throughout this post that are from Victoria.

I am thankful that my 3 year old grandson Logan only had to get 6 stitches in his chin earlier this week when he had a bike wreck (without training wheels) My daughter called me at work and told me. My heart was racing but then I realized he was in good care. He looks so sad here.

I am so thankful that my friend Christi has been healed from her cancer, I praise the Lord and give him all the glory for her healing.

I am thankful that my mammogram this week was normal, I wasn't nervous this year but I have been called back a few times, My Grandma had breast cancer when she was very young but she survived it.

I am thankful but sad that one of the little girls I pray for has won her battle with cancer and went to be with Jesus on Tuesday. She was only 6 years old and fought such a tough battle. Her parents are Christians and they believe as I do that they will see her again according to the promise that our Lord and Savior made us which is eternal life.

I am thankful that I got to spend so much time with out daughter Holly and son in law Ricky. They have blessed me in so many ways it overflows my heart with joy.

I am thankful that we had a safe trip while we were in Victoria and were able to enjoy the beauty.

I am thankful that we got to have lunch with a couple of Canadian co-workers of mine. One of the girls has been such a dear friend of mine for years.

I am thankful that our dog Max did well at the Kennel. I was so worried about him because last time he did not look happy when we picked him up.

I am thankful that we spent sometime with my husband’s friend Ray his wife Rae and his parents to watch the Kentucky Derby. We had a mint julep. It was really strong so I sipped mine. It was a great time of fellowship and I talked about getting to know Jesus.

I am thankful that my granddaughter Kayla got over the fact that they did not find the end of the rainbow and therefore did not find the pot of gold. She had a meltdown but her little sister was there for a hug.

I am thankful that Holly came down and was able to sit in Church for the sermon with us on Mothers Day. We were serving that day but we still got time to listen to it together. Holly also fixed me lunch after we were done serving.

I am thankful that I did not pass out after I accidentally hit the my head on the toilet handle when I was picking up something on the floor. I hit it so hard it flushed. Even though I saw stars I was laughing so hard because it was funny. I do have a bruise on my head.

I am thankful that My son Jeremy called on Saturday night to wish me a Happy's Mothers Day since he would be working on Sunday. I received the most beautiful card in the mail from him.

I am thankful that my daughter Jennifer called on Mothers Day. We were able to makes so plans for when they come home in June. I also received a beautiful card along with a gift card from Barnes and Nobles which I used right away.

I am thankful that I got to talk to my mom of Mothers day. Even though we are miles apart. I love to chat with her.

I am thankful that the Canadian Geese brought their babies closer our building that I work in. They are so darling.

I am thankful for our cat Tiger. He is so funny. He makes me laugh. The other morning he was watching the news with me.

Sorry this is such a long post but my I have so much to be thankful for.

Blessings
Janet

Leaving for Victoria and the Ferry Part 1

2011-05-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

A week ago last Saturday morning we were up early to make the three and a half hour drive to Port Angeles. There were four of us. I think we over packed.

Once we got the the Port we had some time to walk around. It was such a beautiful day!

We were waiting and waiting to get on the Coho Ferry.

Once we drove on and got going we were excited for the 90 minute adventure

At this point we just started moving and then we got into rough seas and needed some ginger ale and soda crackers. LOL....Our cruises never made me feel this bad.

The beauty was breathtaking. Finally we made it through customs and went to check in. Then we were anxious to get out on this beautiful day. We walked about 3 miles to Dinner and then back. You can say although I enjoyed the beautiful flowers and walk I was hurting pretty bad.

That is just a small taste of all the pictures and fun that we had in the romantic city of Victoria.

Blessings

Janet

Happy Mothers Day Mom

2011-05-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

This is my mom, Ruth Marie. Isn't she beautiful? I bet she never realized when she had this photo taken what her life had in store for her. She has been on quite a journey. Some sad but mostly full of joy. God gave me this mom for a reason. She is been there for me anytime I need her even though we live miles a part. She is a true gift from God. I am one of six. There is Joyce, Me, Joan, Scott (whom she gave back to Jesus when he was a few days old) Danny and David. She is a grandmother of 13 (Adam a grandson lives with Jesus too) She is a great grandmother of 11. Her blessings are overflowing and she continues to be a blessings to many. I am so proud to call her my mom. I love you mom, you have been such a blessing to me. You were and continue to be a great example to teach me how to be a great person.

Beautiful Victoria British Columbia

2011-05-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

We are home from beautiful Victoria British Columbia. Holly and Ricky asked us to accompany them on this trip. They have a timeshare so we had a beautiful Condo. Over the next few days I will be blogging about:

The beauty , flowers, good food, all our walks, the sunset the sparkling water, the ski planes, the seals, the butterfly farm, the houseboats, the water taxis, the Parliament building, the IMAX theatre, meeting a couple of co-workers for lunch, shopping, playing games, a nap, the hot tub, my son in law Ricky and his good cooking, the breaking news while we were gone, the ferry ride, customs, the wind storm, the turtles, the peacocks and the time we spent with Holly and Ricky. I hope I am not missing anything.

Today I am thankful to be home in good old USA. I am blessed with all that I have. I am busy doing laundry, I have already picked up the dog at the Kennel, got all the mail, went to the store. The cat wants some much needed attention so I am going to go!

Blessings
Janet

Fun celebrating Papa's birthday

2011-05-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

What a fun evening we had celebrating Marvin's birthday. Holly and Ricky hosted a Pizza night and we got to enjoy the grand kids.

We even had an Easter Egg Hunt for Kayla and Morgan since we did not get to celebrate Easter Sunday together.

And then it was time to celebrate with a Birthday Cookie for the Birthday boy!

But the celebration only was beginning. Make sure you come back in a few days to see how we continued on.

Blessings!

Janet