Sisters!

My one and only sister had a milestone birthday this past Sunday - her 70th!!!! She is the most beautiful 70 year old you have ever seen (no one would ever guess her age), both physically and spiritually. As I have said in the past and will probably say again many times yet, she has always been my role model. I love her with all my heart and have more fun with her. Every time I talk to her, she has a funny story to tell of something that has really happened to her. She's been married since the age of 15 (55 years!) to the same wonderful man, is the mother to three beautiful children, the grandmother of 6 beautiful grandchildren, and great-grandmother to 5 precious little ones. Wow! She and I didn't have a lot of growing-up-together time since she married so young and I was only 9. And, since she lives in Los Angeles, there's still not much time together; but the time we have spent has been precious and we've found that we have much in common - we both LOVE shoes, clothes, search word puzzles, eating, shopping, etc., etc. In the event she reads this, I just wanted her to know how much I love her, look up to her, and long for another visit soon. I love you dearly, Sis! Wanda.

Weekend report

Wow, are you shocked that I've updated so soon!? Just wanted to report on my weekend with Angela and family -- IT WAS GREAT!! I am so pleased and happy with their location, house, church, etc. I was also impressed that she had gotten all of the boxes unpacked and things were in place. The house is really nice and has such a "home" feel. Yes, they are out in the country, but not so far that they can't run into town to pick up necessities within a few minutes. The closest Walmart is about 22 miles away (and we paid a visit to the one in Lake City on Saturday), so hopefully Angela will work through her withdrawals in a while. ha. Steve baptized one of their youth on Sunday morning at the beginning of the service, and an older couple joined at the end of the service. He preached a wonderful Father's Day sermon that was full of his own emotion and convictions. It was so rewarding to my heart to see Meredith walk up to her dad at least twice during the weekend and wrap her arms around his neck and just rest her head on his chest as Steve responded in like manner. No words were exchanged, but you could see the love the two of them have for each other. Thank you, Lord, for two Godly sons-in-law!!!!!!!!!! Ok, I'm at work and need to get busy. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Busy-ness

Hey, ya'll!! It's been a while, and I've procrastinated long enough. But, in my defense, I have been busy. Last weekend, I traveled to Columbus to visit with Jawan and family. Stuart drove over from Stockbridge, and we had a wonderful day together on Saturday. He and I both left late Saturday afternoon. This weekend, I'm traveling to High Springs for two-day visit with Angela and family. I haven't seen their new place and am excited about scoping it out. ha. Emily and I have to catch up on our time together too as there are no more overnights on Fridays. It's been a busy week also in that we had our ladies' meeting at church on Tuesday night and prayer meeting on Wednesday night. That plus trying to work on my house has had me hopping. My progress is slow, but I'm getting there. Marcus has not been over yet to give me an estimate on the renovation I want done but I'm hoping that will happen sometime next week. That's pretty much it in a nutshell for me so, until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Adjusting!

I'm finally really experiencing the empty nest syndrome and, so far, it hasn't been too bad. I do miss not having any of the children close by and will probably miss them even more as time goes on. Right now, it just feels like they are on vacation. ha. This past weekend was the first one I've spent all alone, so I stayed really busy doing things I don't normally get to do. Usually, Emily spends Friday nights with me and she and I play, watch movies, eat, etc. Since that was not the case this past weekend, I found other things to occupy my time - vacuuming, mopping, stripping beds, washing, gardening, shopping, visiting with a neighbor I only see in passing, etc. I was pooped by night time, but it was a good tired. On Monday (holiday), I painted the front bedroom, bought a new refrigerator and set out plants around my mailbox. Maybe I'll go yard sale shopping this weekend, visit my neighbor across the street (age 82) that just had a lump removed yesterday from her breast, and who knows what else. Oh, yes, I had a birthday this past Sunday as well and am thankful to have had another one. After church, I went to lunch with a couple from my church and enjoyed spending time with them. I have several projects in my head that I'm working on, so by the time the kids and families all come to my house, I'm hoping to have some neat surprises for them. That's about it for now. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Mother's Day Tribute

Since this is Mother's Day weekend, I naturally thought about my own sweet mother who is now in heaven. I could say so many wonderful things about her, but most of you who read this knew her almost as well as I did. I am so thankful God chose her as my mom, and it would be my wish that my own children would be able to remember me that way when I am gone. Hopefully, some of her character traits were woven into me. Then, I also thought about my two daughters and the wonderful mothers they are to their children. I am SO proud of both of them!!!! Even though I raised three kids, I look at them and wonder how they do it and how I did it. I know that we just do what we have to do and don't give it a lot of thought at the time. But the hats a mother wears are many, and I see my daughters wearing those hats with grace, love, patience, and fatigue. I pray for them daily and know they are in God's hands. I know also that they are Christians and love Jesus with all their hearts. How blessed I am to have two beautiful, talented, precious daughters who love their husbands and are bringing up their children to love the Lord. Angela and Jawan, I love you with all my heart! Please be patient with me when I unintentionally try to give you advice - one day you will do your children that way, too. It's a "mother" thing. I hope each of you have a wonderful Mother's Day with you children and husbands. I'll get to spend it, hopefully, with Angela as they have not yet moved. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Changes!!!

I made the trip to Columbus and back this past weekend safely and enjoyed my visit with Mitch, Jawan, Andrew and Luke. My main purpose in going was to help them move from the apartment into the house. Although I did do a little packing and cleaning, I mostly babysat, which I LOVED, and prepared lunch on Sunday. Those babies are so precious! Andrew knows me and always greets me with open arms and a smile. One day Luke will to when he's older (4 months is a little young to know Gami). ha. One daughter and family moved and another one will be doing so in a couple of weeks. There are so many changes happening in my little family: all three children making moves, physically and job-wise. Stuart starts a new job today which is an hour away from where he lives and will have to relocate to avoid the commute. Even though I've been commuting for 15 years (75 miles round trip a day), I do not like the thought of my child doing so, especially in the Atlanta area. Angela and family will be moving to Florida in a couple of weeks to a new church pastorate. Wow, my knees are getting a workout talking to the Father. I'm so glad HE is in control and will hold us all together. I'm so blessed! This is short, but recaps my weekend so will check in again soon. In the meantime, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart! Mom.

Catchin' Ya Up

Oh, I had such a wonderful Easter! As our office was closed on Good Friday, Angela, Meredith, Emily and I went to Columbus to Jawan's. Stuart drove over on Saturday, and we all celebrated Andrew's 2nd birthday (a week after the actual birthdate). I had such a good time loving on Andrew and Luke - they are too precious for words! His birthday party was a big success, even though Jawan and Angela worked almost all night on Friday getting things ready. For you kinfolk in other places, go to Jawan's blog and look at the pictures she posted. Of course, church on Sunday was wonderful celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!!! Angela and family ate lunch at my house after church, after which she and Emily went with me around town to look at houses. I'm thinking seriously about selling the one I'm in and getting something else. Just in the beginning process. My ladies' meeting last night was good also. We had 17 there, and Denise spoke and told how the adoption of Rachel came about. Wow, what a testimony! This Friday night and all day Saturday, I am attending a ladies' conference at a sister church with my pastor's wife and a couple more ladies from our church. I'm really looking forward to that; however, I won't get to have my Friday night date with Emily. boo-hoo. Maybe we can make it up before they move. That's it for now so, until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Dropped the Ball Again!

Well, I really did mean to do better (more frequent blogging) but failed to follow through. We are in revival this week, so I'm at church every night through Wednesday. On Thursday night, I go to a conference at FBC (Jennifer Rothchild). Since Angela and the kids are out of school on Friday and I am off (Good Friday), we are going to Jawan's to spend the night and celebrate Andrew's birthday on Saturday. Stuart plans to drive over as well, so I'll get to be with all of my children and grandchildren for a while. We'll come home on Saturday afternoon. I got all the wallpaper stripped off the walls of the front bedroom this past weekend and want to get a single bed set to go in there. As most of you know by now, Angela and family will be moving to Florida in about a month. Therefore, I need another bed when everybody comes home for Thanksgiving, Christmas or whenever. Don't have any new carpet yet, but that's still a possibility also. I would love to get another house but, until that happens, guess I'll just be content with what I have and fix up a few things. I'm excited and sad about Angela and family moving - excited for them and sad for me - so put me on your prayer list. ha. It will be quite an adjustment for me being in town by myself, and I'll miss my Friday overnight dates with Emily. I'm just thankful that I will only be 2-1/2 to 3 hours away from all three children. God is good and is in control! Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart! Mom.

What a RELIEF!

I DID IT! I got the church directory in the mail today!!!! I had lots of good help putting it together, and I know we are going to be so proud of it. It will probably be a couple months before we get the finished product back, but it will be worth the wait. By the way, my children, I got my personal pictures back this week. Want one? As I'm writing this, I'm sitting downstairs at my office at the receptionist desk answering the phones for her. So, if some of this doesn't make sense, it's because of the many interruptions. However, it's something different to do and I'm kinda enjoying it. I just read Jawan's blog - Piles for Miles - and so wish I could give her some relief. Bless your heart, Wannie, you were just overblessed with talent, which is why you have so many "to do" piles. ha. I'm just thankful you are home with those precious grandbabies of mine and know that they are more important than the piles. Ok, Stuart, it's time to update your blog! Angela, Meredith, Emily and I plan to go to a beauty pageant tomorrow night. Emily will probably spend the night with me as usual (and maybe Meredith and/or Ethan), and I'll spend Saturday with them. Compared to most of my blogs, this one is shorter but will try to get in the habit of doing it more often so they won't have to be so long. Until then...I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart! Mom.

Just Chattin'

Hey, you all (or y'all as we say in the South)! Wow, March has been a fast month, but I'm so-0-0-o ready for Spring!! Thanks to Angela and her three offspring, I got my yards cleaned up this past weekend (also had a God-sent man from my church who came by and mowed for me). I am so blessed!!!!!!!!!! I really haven't done anything much to talk about that would be of interest - just the usual work every day, church three times a week, keeping 1 to 3 of the grands on Friday night, etc. etc. However, yesterday was a wonderful day at church, and I was invited to go to lunch with three couples. We went to the Seminole Wind restaurant in Cairo - just great home cooking like we have at O'Neals, Market Diner, etc. Then last night, we had a covered dish supper after church with more yummy home cooking. I took a casserole I had never fixed before and had just enough left over to bring to work today for lunch. I'm trying to get our draft of the church directory finished by Wednesday of this week so we can mail it off. Oh, I can hardly wait for the finished product! As I said, there's not anything of interest to write about so will cut this short. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart! Mom.

What a Week!

Wow, what a joy it was to have a whole week with all five of my grandchildren and my middle child. I got to experience (after many, many years) the routine of dropping three children off at school each morning to three different schools. That really made me appreciate these mothers and wonder how I did the same thing with my three once upon a time. Guess you just do what you gotta do!! I have the sweetest, kindest, best behaved grandchildren in the world, so we had no problems at all during the week. Thank you to my daughters and sons-in-law for their love and training with their children. Angela and Steve got home late Thursday night from their conference and carried their three home.

Jawan was my program for my Women's Ministry meeting on Tuesday night and did a wonderful job with the devotional and craft. I'm still getting "thank you" from ladies for such an enjoyable time. Thank you, Wannie, for being so willing to share when asked. You are precious. On Saturday morning, Jawan and I went out to New Shiloh and did the craft with Angela's ladies. Just another wonderful time sharing with our sisters in Christ and having fun as we crafted.

I had a wonderful telephone visit last night with Stuart, and he blesses my heart each time we talk. He told me he went to Sunday School and church yesterday and afterwards a group from his SS class went to their teacher's house for a time of fellowship. I'm so glad he took that step and is making some new friends. I can see God's hand on his life and am so thankful. He is going to Jacksonville, FL this week to a golf tournament and plans to come to my house on Saturday morning and spend the night with me before going home on Sunday afternoon. Yippee!! (The race was rained out that he had tickets for; and no date with Shannon as yet. The ball is in her court and he plans to do nothing more unless he hears from her.)

This will be a busy week for me as the ladies at church are giving one of our members a baby shower tonight, the directory committee meets tomorrow night (of which I am the coordinator), church on Wednesday night, etc., etc. But you know what? I love being busy and look forward to each appointment. I'm so thankful to have the health and energy to do these things (just wish I had some left for house work. ha). For now, however, that's about it. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart!!!! Mom.

Marching On

I know, I know, it's been way too long since I updated, but I'm a busy lady and a procrastinator at that. I figured there wasn't enough interesting stuff to write about, but my youngest daughter says do it anyway. She has an inquiring mind and wants to know! So, here I am. Today has been a mixture of emotions. My office manager's funeral was today at 11:00, so the whole office turned out for that. She was a really sweet lady and will be missed greatly. The rest of the day was good - weather was beautiful and I had lots to keep me busy at work. We also began taking our pictures for our church directory today and I have just gotten home from that (10:24 p.m.). I am the coordinator and will have to be there again tomorrow night until the last person is photographed. I'm not complaining - just letting you in on my activities. We had a good turnout, and I'm really excited about the finished product that we will receive in about month. My committee still has to get together to make decisions on the cover, layout, etc. It will be the first directory the church has ever had, and I think everyone will be very proud of it. There are lots of good things happening at our church: we are growing by leaps and bounds and have outgrown our educational building. So, plans are underway to build a new wing. I'm very thankful to have a pastor who has a vision and is so determined to bathe everything we do in prayer before moving forward. New people have joined, and I am getting to know them better and becoming friends. In fact, tonight on the way home from the church, I went by the home of one couple and visited for almost an hour. (She is on my committee and was at the church with me for the picture taking.) Last week, I went by another couple's home to drop off something, and they live in a BEAUTIFUL house. Guess what I had to do when I got home? Repent. Boy was I covetous. I'm thankful that all my needs are met, but I sure wish I could have a pretty house. Is that wrong? I still haven't gotten my new carpet but one of my new friends is also needing carpet so she and I are going shopping together soon. I don't trust myself to pick out something on my own. ha. I'm excited about next week -- Jawan, Andrew and Luke are coming to my house for most of the week and she is going to be my program for our Women's Ministry meeting on Tuesday night. We're going to hear her testimony and then do a craft that she will teach. I can hardly wait to get my hands on those babies, and I know the women will really enjoy the meeting. I'll have the double blessing. ha. Also, Meredith, Ethan and Emily will be staying with me Tuesday through Thursday while Angela and Steve attend a pastor's conference. I'll have to take each of them to school in the mornings and Jawan will pick them up in the afternoons. We'll have a pallet party for three nights!! Ok, I've bored you to tears, so I'm going to quit for now. As soon as I think of anything else, I'll update again. In the meantime, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Back From Columbus!

Yes, I went to Columbus this past weekend to see my middle child and family. My youngest grandchild, Luke (2 months), was dedicated to the Lord at church on Sunday, and I wanted to be there for that. Stuart drove over from Atlanta on Sunday in time for church, so we had a wonderful time visiting with each other. Mitch's parents were also there, and we all got to eat lunch together before I left for home. How precious those two little boys are and how I miss them today! Guess I'll have to run out to Angela's this afternoon after work and see her bunch to fill the empty spot. I'm so blessed to have at least one child and three grandchildren close by. If they ever move, Steve or Mitch may be stuck with a live-in mother-in-law. ha. Bet that will increase their prayer life!! Or, maybe I'll just move in with Stuart or vice versa. I'm not gonna dwell on any of those possibilities before necessary but just thought I'd put the "threat" in for my sweet sons-in-law. Not much else to report on for now. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all my sweeties!!! I hope all of you had a wonderful day filled with love for each other and most of all for God. My day has been very good. When I got to work this morning, there was a gift from the firm on my desk and on my way home from work, I got a call on my cell phone from a couple in my church asking to take me to dinner. So, I ate with them and had a wonderful time chatting and getting to know them better. Then, whenI got home, I had a message on my answering machine from Brian. I called him back, left him a message, and finally got a call back from him. We talked for at least 35 to 40 minutes and it made my day! Heidi was sick but I got to chat with her for a minute or two. I do hope they get to move back South sometime soon so we can all visit.

My weekend was wonderful as well. On Friday night, I picked up Emily and went to the church to help decorate for the Valentine banquet for Saturday night. Emily spent the night as usual and we returned to the church on Saturday morning to finish the decorating. Wow, was it ever festive and colorful. We had a wonderful turnout for the banquet (steak, baked potatoe, salad, tea and desserts) and the games we had planned were great. Everyone had a blast. It was cold on Sunday outside but very warm in God's house. We had a wonderful service.

Well, today the move began at work. I am now assigned to my original boss and a younger associate, which is great with me. He does most of his own work on the computer, and most of my job with him will be scheduling and filing. I'm moving back across the hall to my original desk where I started 15 years ago. ha. Two attorneys, two secretaries and one paralegal are moving back into our building upstairs with me, so I'll have "neighbors" at the desks down the hall. I love change and am looking forward to going in tomorrow morning to work on transferring all of my stuff.

I'm planning to go see my youngest grands this weekend as Luke (2 months) is being baptized/dedicated. I can hardly wait to get my hands on both Andrew and Luke. They are so precious! I think Emily is going with me, so we'll have a great time playing with each other.

That's it for this post. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart!!!! Mom.

Better Late Than Never

I hope this makes sense. I had to take yesterday off due to vertigo. I'm back at work today but still feel a little woozy when I get up. As mother used to say, "I'm just bouncing off the walls." ha. There's not much to report of interest, so I'll just bore you with "stuff." Last weekend was good and involved (1) going to Meredith's 15th birthday party on Friday night, (2) keeping Emily overnight Friday night, (3) going shopping on Saturday with two church friends to get our Valenine banquet decorations, and, of course (4) church on Sunday. On Monday after work, I decided to go to Lowe's and look at carpet since I've already had the measurements done. Well, I looked at the many choices and came away discouraged. Maybe not discouraged but confused. I'm going to have to have someone help me with this decision. I'll be glad for volunteers!! I still haven't been told anything at work as to what transitions are to be made. Since my younger boss left, it practically wiped out my work load. My older boss (one of the owners of the firm) has assured me that my job is secure and they are working on some things. So until then, I'm just helping out whoever needs help and trying to s-t-r-e-t-c-h it out to fill the day. ha. A down day every once in a while is good but not on a long-term basis. I'd rather be busy!! As I said at the beginning, there's nothing really newsy to report - just wanted to update to make it worth your while to click in. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart!!!! Mom.

Weekend in Columbus

I took last Friday (Jan. 27th) off from work and drove to Columbus to spend the day, night and Saturday with Jawan and family. Friday was Stuart's 30th birthday, so he drove over from Atlanta, we all went out to dinner together, and he spent the night and played golf on Saturday with Mitch and Mitch's dad. It was a wonderful weekend of togetherness and loving on those grandkids. Luke is 6 weeks old and growing so fast; Andrew is 21 months and gets more precious every time I see him. I have tried and tried to post a picture made while there but have been unsuccessful. Another thing Jawan will have to walk me through. ha.

Yesterday was a great day at church. We got six new members!!!! We had 18 new members in 2005 and already have six for 2006. WOW! The men of our church had a chili cook-off after service last night with 12 entries. In addition to a Grand Champion, we had 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners as well as honorable mentions and good sport ribbons. ha. The chili ranged from very mild to "on fire" and even had a white chili concoction, which I really liked. In addition to the chili, we had hot dogs, cole slaw, fruit salad, corn bread, crackers, chips, and a table full of wonderful desserts. Needless to say, I went home "stuffed." I am so excited about all the good things that are happening at our church - God is blessing abundantly.

I had a call from Angela this morning asking if I could take Emily to school as she and Meredith were both sick. They both had a night of throwing up, etc. - just hope the other three don't get the bug and that the two of them will be ok soon. Today was to have been Angela's first day as a full-time para-pro at school, but she had to find a sub. What a way to start a job. ha.

I still won't know what my assignment at work will be until next week. My younger boss and our paralegal left and went to another firm, and he was the one who generated most of my work. My older boss' wife is having surgery in Jacksonville, so he will be out all week. Since he is the managing partner of the firm, we will have to wait until he gets back into the office to make decisions. Until then, I'm just floating around helping wherever needed.

As for me personally, first, I ordered new glasses and prescription sunglasses week before last from the Walmart Vision Center. When I went to pick them up, the regular glasses were not right. They adjusted and adjusted but never got them right. However, I took them and promised to try to wear them to see if maybe they just took some getting used to. NOT!!! They are going back when I get home this afternoon. The sunglasses were fine, but a lens fell out. They're going back also. Secondly, I had Lowe's come out and measure my house for new carpet and flooring in kitchen. I have to go by there to pick out carpet and kitchen flooring and get an estimate. Marcus told me at church last night to let him know what the quote was before I gave them the go-ahead as he has a friend who can probably do it cheaper. Third, Wayne told me at church last night to bring my car to him this Friday afternoon and he would fix the rest of it on Saturday. Whooppee!!!!! Fourth, I'm on the Valentine banquet committee and am in the process of working with the other two ladies planning decorations and activities. Hopefully, we can get it together by Feb. 11th.

That's it for now. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart!!!! Mom.

Following orders

I've been directed by Child #2 that I need to update my blog, so here 'tis. I've had a good week at work - kinda slow as younger boss is tying up lose ends getting ready to go to another firm at the end of next week. So, he hasn't generated much work. Older boss doesn't have much of a case load and doesn't generate much either, which left me at times with nothing. Anyway, it was a good week and ended on a wonderful note.

Angela and I attended the Gaither Concert at the Civic Center on Friday night and got home around midnight. It was wonderful - artists included Bill and Gloria Gaither, The Isaacs, Booth Brothers, Signature Sound, Jesse Dixon, Linda Randal, Russ Taff, Ben Speer, Anthony Berger, Ivan Parker and The Easters. I think that's all. It started at 7:00 p.m. and was over at 11:00.

Since I didn't get to keep Emily overnight, I went out and picked her up after lunch today and kept her until about 6:30. Naturally, she didn't want to go home. ha. She and I went to Lowe's, and I'm getting new flooring of some sort. They are to call me tomorrow or Monday to set up a time to come by and measure. It will depend on their measurements and what they quote me on wood flooring vs. carpet as to what I'll decide to get. I'm leaning toward new carpet but will let you know about that later. I've decided it's time to do a few things inside my house, and this is one that is really needed.

Just keep me in your prayers about my back - it still hurts unless I take Ibuprofen (for which I am so thankful). I'll probably make an appointment with my doctor this next week to see if she can tell me for sure why it still hurts, i.e. did the jolt when the chair flipped out from under me activate the arthritis that showed up on the x-ray, or is it something else. Just need to know for my own sake.

As I've said before, tomorrow (Sunday) is my favorite date of the week. I look forward to being in God's house with my Christian family. I know ALL of my children plan to be in their respective churches as well, and that makes me feel so blessed. I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart!!! Mom.

Mid-January update

Gee, time flies when you are having fun! We had our missions conference at church this week (Sunday morning through Wednesday night), and it was wonderful. We had national missionaries from Chili, Bahamas, Korea and Mexico. The one from Chili couldn't speak any English and had to use an interpreter, but boy did he have energy. I was truly blessed and inspired to do more for my Lord than before. I grew up Southern Baptist and will be one of those for the rest of my life. ha. However, since accepting the pianist position as Trinity, I'm having to conform to some of their ways (Independent Baptist), i.e. not participating in the Cooperative Program but rather supporting missionaries direct. Hopefully, the same result will be achieved - many coming to know Jesus as their Savior.

I am on Cloud 9 for another reason this week as well. I can see God answering my prayers for my son!!!!! He took a big leap this past Sunday and went to Sunday School for the first time and stayed for church service - all at First Baptist Jonesboro. He has called me twice this week and we've had wonderful conversations about victories and defeats. Thankfully, he's had more victories than defeats. I am so thankful that he has determined to change some things in his life in 2006. That can only be done with God's help, which he knows, so I'm excited to imagine what else God has planned. He's not where he needs to be just yet, so I must keep praying.

Angela was offered a full-time para-pro position this week at the new Hand in Hand preschool where Emily attends. She has not made a decision yet whether to take it or not, which is another prayer concern. Meredith, Ethan and Emily are all in public school now, so maybe this is what God has planned. I'm sure she and Steve are praying about it and will make the right decision.

Jawan had to have another root canal this week, bless her heart. She's been in pain with that tooth for at least two months, but they couldn't do anything about it until Luke was born. Hopefully, it's fixed for good and she won't have anymore problems with it. Those things are expensive!!! I feel an urge to make another trip up her way to hug and love on those two precious baby boys. I'll work on that.

My youngest boss gave notice this week that he is leaving our firm at the end of the month. I know that doesn't make any difference to any of you, but it will affect me. I still have my original attorney that I love working for, but his work load is very light as he is one of the owners of the firm and delegates. ha. So, I'm sure I'll be assigned another attorney as well, which will mean changes for a lot of us. I'm just praying it will all work out smoothly.

Guess I'll keep Emily (and maybe Meredith and Ethan) overnight again tonight. That is our usual Friday night routine - spending the night eating, watching movies, playing on the computer, playing games, playing the piano, singing, etc. I have a list of "to dos" for tomorrow that will keep me busy most of the day if I follow through. I'm looking forward to a great weekend!! Hope all of you have one, too! I love you Angela, Steve, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Jawan, Mitch, Andrew, Luke and Stuart!!!! Mom.

January Marches On

Here it is the end of the second week in January. Wow! It will be Christmas again before we know it. Must start my shopping. ha. Guess that can wait a bit as I am busy with other things right now. This has been a wonderful weekend. I kept Meredith, Ethan and Emily overnight Friday. We went to Arby's and ate and then to Blockbuster where I purchased two used Play Station 2 games for Ethan's birthday (which was Saturday), bought three movies (buy 2 get 1 free), and rented two movies to bring home and watch - March of the Penguines and oops I've just had a senior moment and can't remember the other one (it was a cartoon movie that Emily chose). Anyway, we had a good night watching the movies, chatting, eating, etc. Then, on Saturday, I took Ethan home (did I mention it was his birthday!) and Meredith, Emily, Grannie and I went to see Nikki's baby. Got home about 5:00 p.m. Grannie went home, and Meredith, Emily and I met Steve, Angela and Ethan at Pizza Hut for Ethan's birthday outing. So, it was a busy day but a good one. Today, of course (my favorite day of the week), was wonderful as well. Our missions conference started at church, and we had two missionaries this morning (both nationals; one from the Bahamas and one from South Korea). Tonight, we had three: one from Seoul, Korea, one from Chili (that could speak NO English and used an interpreter), and the other from Mexico. We will have services Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights with more missionaries from other places. I am on schedule to help prepare the meal for Tuesday night, so it looks like it will be another busy week.

I just got off the phone a minute ago with Lora. She called just as I got home from church just to check in and chat and let me know that Brian is flying in on Wednesday to try to wrap up business details. She sounded good and is such a sweetheart. I pray that she and Brian will be able to take care of most if not all of the matters relating to their mom's and dad's deaths. I know it's not going to be easy but God is good and will see them through.

Oh, I got the most wonderful call from Stuart today. I knew from his voice that he was in a good mood, so I asked about his day. HE NOT ONLY WENT TO WORSHIP SERVICE BUT ALSO WENT TO SUNDAY SCHOOL!!!!! Praise the Lord. My prayers are being answered. Of course, he said the devil tried to talk him out of it but he was strong and went anyway. He says he plans to go again next Sunday. Oh, only another mother can know how happy that makes me. I just know God is going to answer my prayers and use Stu Bug in a wonderful way IN HIS TIME!

Today is Mitch's birthday and I failed to get him a card in the mail; therefore, I must call and see if he had a good day.

Nothing else to report just now. Will update again in a few days. Until then, I love you Angela, Steve, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gami.

2006 Is Here!

Today is Sunday, January 1, 2006! Can you believe it!!! It's always exciting to me to start something new, so I am excited about the new year. It has been a wonderful day - I love it when the 1st day of the year falls on Sunday. I love being in God's house, and what better way to start the year off than worshiping our creator and redeemer. After all, every good gift comes from HIM, and I have been so blessed with good gifts. Three beautiful children, two godly sons-in-law, and five precious grandchildren. I have a home, food, clothing, job, friends, church, etc. etc. etc. - what more could I want?! I'm about to cry so better move on. I brought the new year in last night at home all by myself. I stayed up and watched the ball drop in New York and then went to bed. That doesn't sound exciting to most, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was safe, not out spending money, and enjoying a quiet time asking God's blessings on me and my family for the coming year.

Yesterday, Grannie, Marge and I all made a one-day trip to Columbus to see Baby Luke, as well as Andrew, Jawan and Mitch. We only stayed about three hours, but it was a wonderful visit. Luke slept the whole time we were there, and I got to rock Andrew to sleep for his nap time. Andrew had a new haircut that was absolutely precious, and Luke had gained a pound since birth. They are both so cute - just wish I could see them more often. Anyway, Grannie, Marge and I had a great time chatting in the car there and back, and we stopped at a roadside stand on the way back and bought boiled peanuts and tomatoes. I was the chauffeur. ha.

I talked to Lora Gale tonight and got caught up on what's going on with her. She has moved into a cottage apartment, and Brian and Heidi will be coming home in about a week to try to wind up some business matters. My heart goes out to them all with this being the first Christmas without either parent. Lora seems to be coping ok, but I will keep her in my prayers.

I have the day off tomorrow and plan to do some cleaning up in the house. Having been gone a week and a half when Luke was born and then having Christmas, the house went with no attention. It's raining tonight, and I don't know what the forecast is for tomorrow. Guess it doesn't matter since I'll be inside most of the day anyhow. My back still hurts but is much better than it was. This past Friday, I paid a visit to my brother-in-law, Tim, who is a chiropractor here in town and he adjusted my back and did an electric massage. It must have helped because I have not taken any pain medication today at all.

Happy New Year to all of you. I love you. Gami