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

Merry Christmas

Here it is the end of Christmas Day (almost at least - 11:30 p.m.), and it has been a wonderful day. The only thing I didn't do that I should have done and regret not having done was to call my Wannie and family to wish them a Merry Christmas. However, they spent the day with the McGinnis side of their family, and I didn't want to infringe on their time together. Maybe I'll touch base with her by IM before retiring. My day began as all Sundays do - going to church - and WOW what a service we had. We didn't cut back on anything just because it was Christmas, and even observed the Lord's Supper at the end. I had little faith before arriving at church thinking we would probably have a slim crowd. Well, God showed me! Our church was full!!!!! Yes, there is always room for more, but it was wonderful to have so many in attendance. My sweet son, Stuart, attended with me, which made it even more wonderful. After church, Stuart and I went directly to Granny Sons' for lunch that was prepared by my sister-in-law, Marge. I think there were 26 or 28 there to eat, and everybody had a place at a table to sit and enjoy the feast. I went out yesterday afternoon and helped Granny set up the tables and get the plates, napkins, glasses and silverware all set. Last night, I prepared supper for Angela and family, Stuart, myself, and Granny. I have overeaten as usual and feel like a stuffed pig. Oh, I must do something about this weight!! We didn't have church tonight, so Stuart and I rode out to Angela's to see what the kids got for Christmas. While there, we watched "Madagascar" together and then brought Meredith home with us for the night. She and her Uncle Stuart have such a bond and are in my room now listening to the CD by "Casting Crowns" and discussing spiritual matters. Tomorrow, Stuart has promised Ethan that he will pick him up and the two of them will go to Walmart or somewhere and buy Ethan a memory card for the Play Station 2 he got for Christmas. I'm so thankful Stuart likes spending time with his niece and nephew. Since he plans to be home all week, I have a list of "to dos" for him. ha. Oh, he called Amanda this afternoon, and they have a date tomorrow night! Hurrah! I don't have to work tomorrow and will probably spend the day taking down Christmas decorations, gathering up the empty boxes and trash, and putting my gifts together. So, until next update, know that I love you Angela, Steve, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Jawan, Mitch, Andrew, Luke and Stuart!!!! Mom. P.S. Jawan, I showed off Luke's pictures to everybody at church today that I could get to stand still for a minute. ha. They, of course, thought he was a handsome babe!

Back from Columbus

I got home from Columbus, GA tonight, having been there since last Wednesday when Luke Brasher McGinnis was born to Jawan and Mitch. He weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 20 3/4" long and was delivered via C-section. Mom, Dad and Luke are all doing great. Luke is totally opposite in looks to Andrew: Andrew was fair skinned and blond hair; Luke is dark skinned with dark hair. Jawan says Andrew is hers and Luke is Mitch's. ha. Having an upset in the regular routine, Andrew has been confused about bedtime. It will probably take Jawan and Mitch a week or so to get him back on track.

Stuart is due home tomorrow for Christmas, so I will have him and Angela's family (Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan and Emily) for Christmas Eve dinner and gift exchange. On Christmas Day, we have church as usual (including Sunday School - but no Sunday night service) and Stuart and I will probably eat lunch with my sister-in-law, Marge. She always prepares Christmas lunch as her gift to the family, and boy is she a great cook!!! Angela and family will be joining Steve's dad, sister's and brother's families for Christmas lunch. This will be the first Christmas in years that all of my children have not been home. Of course, this year is understandable. With a new baby, Jawan doesn't want to get him away for visiting so soon.

Meredith is spending the night with me tonight; I've learned a lot about my granddaughter in the few hours she has been here. I've known her all of her life, but learn something new every time I'm around her for any length of time. She's a hoot!! We have laughed until my sides hurt; don't know where she gets her sense of humor, but she's got one! ha. (How do you put a giraffe in the refrigerator? - I'll let you think about that and maybe tell you next time I blog along with some other things she taught me.)

I may not get back on here until after Christmas, so everyone have a wonderful, merry Christmas! God bless and remember that HE is the reason for the season. I love you all. Gami.

Update from Columbus

Well, it has been an eventful week. On Wednesday, December 14, 2005, my fifth grandchild was born - Luke Brasher McGinnis - weighing in at 8 pounds 6 ounces and 20 3/4" long. He is beautiful but so different from his brother, Andrew. Andrew is fair skinned and blond (white) hair, and Luke is dark skinned and dark hair. Jawan says Andrew is her baby and Luke is Mitch's. ha. They got to come home from the hospital this afternoon - quite a long stay but Luke was jaundiced so they had to keep them for an extra day. Yesterday while visiting with them at the hospital, I was sitting in a glider rocker holding Andrew and playing with him. I was sitting on the edge of the rocking chair and was going to let Andrew slide down my legs. Well, the chair flipped out from under me, and I hit the floor flat on my bottom, which resulted in excruciating pain in my lower back. Jawan called the nurses' station and told them to get a wheel chair and some assistance pronto. The pain was awful. They took me to emergency and got x-rays of my back, which showed nothing broken or fractured (thank the good Lord) and gave me a prescription for a muscle relaxer as well as pain medication. I didn't get that filled until this afternoon and when I got up this morning I was very sore. It feels a little better tonight, so maybe in a day or two the medication will have me back to normal. I have no idea what caused the pain, but I won't be sitting on the edge of a rocker or any chair from now on. Tomorrow will be busy taking Luke for a checkup with his pediatrician, Jawan to the doctor to have staples removed, and several other things I heard her mention earlier. I think Angela and her kids are coming up Tuesday to see Luke (and Mitch, Jawan and Andrew) and will stay until Thursday, at which time all of us will head back to Thomasville. Hopefully, Stuart can drive over from Stockbridge on Tuesday or Wednesday night and we can have Christmas with Jawan and family before we go home. So, there you have it. I'm here to help her and almost wound up needing help myself. ha. I am so thankful it wasn't worse and that I'm feeling better. Oh, I almost forgot, I got to go to church this morning with Mitch and Andrew and even played the piano for their services. What a privilege and joy! More later.....

Baby has arrived!

Wow,what a day!! I drove the one-hour to work this morning only to get a call from Jawan saying her water broke and they were on the way to the hospital. So, I turned off my computer, told the bosses bye, and drove right back to Thomasville to pack my suitcase. I got to Columbus at 1:15 p.m., and the baby was born at 6:50 p.m. Jawan had to have a C-section as the cord was wrapped around the baby's neck, and he wasn't tolerating the contractions. Both Jawan and baby (Luke Brasher McGinnis) are wonderful, beautiful, and healthy. They won't get to come home until Saturday, so I'll get to have Andrew all to myself for a couple of days. I am so thankful that God answered my prayers for Jawan to have a safe delivery, Luke to be healthy, and me to have safety in travel on the way up. God is so good!!! I am at their apartment now, and Andrew is in bed fast asleep with no idea I am here. The babysitter took care of him all day today and did a great job. Won't he be surprised tomorrow morning when I walk into his room!? I can't hardly wait to get hold of him and take him to see his baby brother. I've called family members and e-mailed friends with the news, so my job is done for the night. I'll give you updates later.

Ladies' Meeting

The ladies meeting at church last night went great. Had about 17 or 18ladies there, Ramona shared her testimony, we had the reading of Luke 2by the 4 year old child, the singing of "Happy Birthday, Jesus" by thechild/children's choir, exchanged gifts, drew names for new secretsister for the coming year, and ate the delicious food brought by theladies. Everyone got a gift, and we had lots of good fellowship.Sandra is now my house guest and went with me to the meeting. Shethoroughly enjoyed it and was so welcomed by everyone. Even though Ionly have one bathroom, she and I managed to get ourselves ready thismorning and to work earlier than usual without any problems. Ha. I amso looking forward to next week and the arrival of Luke. Of course, ifhe wants to arrive earlier (like today or tomorrow), I would beoverjoyed. But whenever he decides to arrive, I plan to be there toenjoy getting to know him, playing with precious Andrew, and taking careof my big children, Jawan and Mitch. Have a wonderful day. I love you.

Gettin' Ready for Christmas and Baby

I had a really good weekend. Friday night, I stayed in Tallahassee and met my church family at the Seinyard Restaurant in Woodville for fun, food and fellowship. Not having Emily overnight as I usually do, I got up early Saturday morning and went for a haircut, got nails done, and did more shopping. In the afternoon, I went out to Angela's and visited a while, brought Emily home with me for a few hours, and took her home around 6:00. Sunday at church was wonderful, and I took Angela and family out for lunch at O'Neals. After lunch, I took Meredith and Ethan to the Central Middle School Christmas music and really enjoyed that. It was so much fun watching the two of them interact with their friends. Teenagers! ha. Meredith seems to be adjusting to public school really well, and I'm praying that Ethan will too after the Christmas break when he starts. Today has been easy at work as SMP was out of town and FMJ didn't produce much. I shopped at lunch and finished with everyone except FMJ and our paralegal. Tonight has been spent wrapping, sorting, boxing, bagging, tagging, etc. I have it all ready to throw into the car once I get the "baby" call. ha. Stuart sent me a picture of his new truck and then called and we chatted about it for a few minutes. It is a beautiful truck, and I'm so glad he has one. He takes really good care of his vehicles, so this one should last him about as long as his first one did. My ladies' meeting is tomorrow night, and I'm so excited about the progarm. I have asked one of our newest members to give her testimony and I'm going to follow that with the reading of Luke 2 by the little 4 year old girl (on CD) and end with the children singing "Happy Birthday, Jesus" (also on CD). Both of those just bring tears to my eyes and are so sweet. Hopefully, the ladies will be touched as well. (By the way, I sang a solo at church Sunday - "Heaven's Child" - the first one I've done in a long, long time. ) After the program part, we will exchange gifts with our secret sisters and reveal ourselves to them. Then we'll draw for new ones for the coming year and then dig into the food. Sounds fun, huh?! I better close out as this internet keeps shutting down on me unexpectedly. I lost the first one I did, so g'nite all. I love you Angela, Jawan, Stuart, Steve, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Andrew and soon to be Luke!!! Mom.

Mid-week catch-up

Ok, ok, Jawan has instructed me to update! ha. Since my last post, I have gotten all of the Christmas presents wrapped that I have bought so far and have them boxed up (at least Jawan and her family's) ready to grab when I get that call that she's on her way to the hospital. It suddenly dawned on me that I would need to be ready to go, so I'm glad that is done. It's been a good week at work (always is when I can get rid of the bosses for a day or two). I've been blessed to be able to talk to all three of my children this week as well as my four grands. I love it when Andrew "babbles" to me on the phone and can't wait for him to start talking a blue streak. Meredith, of course, has been the center of attention, as she started to Central High School on Monday. Some, most I might say, of my prayers were answered in that she seemed to handle it really well without any panic attacks or seizures (at least she didn't mention any). Ethan has that to look forward to after the Christmas break, so I hope it goes as well for him. I pray that their home schooling by a godly mother will be a real source of strength for both of them and give them that extra insulation from the things they will be faced with that they've never experienced before. I'm so proud of both of them and just know they will be fine. Tomorrow night, I plan to go downtown to Victorian Christmas and meander. My co-worker, Sandra, is supposed to be here by then, so I'll get to introduce her to some Thomasville activity. Then on Friday night, my church family will be going to Tallahassee to the Seineyard Restaurant to eat together. That is also the night of my office Christmas party, but I chose to go with the church group instead. Saturday, I plan to finish my shopping, wrapping and packing. Then on Sunday, my favorite day of the week, it will be worship. I know I don't lead a very exciting life, but I count my blessings and have peace, so I am very rich! Hope you enjoy reading my ramblings.

Saturday doins'

Emily spent last night with me as usual, and Ethan came over for a couple of hours while Angela and Steve did some Christmas shopping. (Meredith was babysitting.) We got my tree up and decorated, the door covered with red paper and a green wreath hung. We had ice cream with chocolate syrup as a reward for our hard work. By 9:30 Emily was ready for bed, so I put her jammies on, read her a story, had a prayer with her and she conked out. After that, Ethan wanted to create a blog for himself, so he and I worked on that (got it done, believe it or not). I don't have him linked to mine yet, but for your info his address is www.soaringwiththeeagles.blogspot.com Today, Emily and I got up, ate breakfast, and watched a craft show on public television. It was SOOOOOO good and the crafts were so easy. We mixed Kool Aid powder with just a little water, and this was her paint. She did several pictures with it and it worked great. Then, we mixed a little milk with about six drops of food coloring and painted pictures on white bread which we then popped in the toaster and ate. She and I did a little shopping and she wound up crying because I wouldn't buy her some shoes and a camera. ha. I took her home about 4:30. Since then, I've been wrapping Christmas presents!! I have the TV on with Christmas cartoons going - love it - guess I'm just a kid at heart. Tomorrow is Sunday, and I always look forward to being in God's house. I am so blessed and would rather be there than anywhere else. So, until later ------