Awesome Blessings!

Over the past few weeks, I've enjoyed spending time with my daughter and son one on one.

This past weekend I was blessed with an amazing opportunity to spend time with the "baby girl". Of course she is grown, married to a wonderful man, and has children of her own, but she will always be "my baby girl".

I was able to spend a couple of hours with her in her studio watching her as she turned a piece of clay into a beautiful vase, complete with all the little flowers, and delicate letters. Seeing how concerned she was over how each little stamp was placed in just the right spot and how the clay had to fit together in all the right places. Then how each piece had to be placed in the kiln so carefully as not to touch each other. Later, what came out of that kiln was magnificent! Of course I am particularly fond of each piece she makes, and can't bear the thought that she might throw something out because of a slight flaw...I am afraid that I have become the potter collector.. and I love every piece and will find just the right spot for every one. How blessed I am to have such a creative offspring. I love spending time with her, and she inspires me so much. I think about it all the way home after a visit..I can do this, and I can do that! of course not all of my ideas materialize, but it is so wonderful to see what can be done and be exposed that that kind of inspiration and desire to be all that you can be, and have an encourager like her in my life!

Then there is the baby boy! of course he is also grown, has a wonderful wife and children of his own. And he will always be my baby boy.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to Sabbath School with him and his family. He, his daughter, his 3 year old son and I attended one class and his wife and 2 other children attended a different class. While we were there, I saw a side of my son that I had not seen before. What a blessing to see how he interacted with the children and participated in their little songs and activities they did. He encouraged them along and with them sang and clapped his hands right along with them, and it was wonderful to see him smile and laugh with them, to get down on their level to praise God and worship with them. I wonder at the wonder of it all.

I pray that as my children grow older, and watch their offspring grow up as I have done with them, they will understand why I love them so much, and desire all the blessings that God has in store for them to come to fruition.

"when I wake up in the morning, see I made it through the night, I listen for my family, sure enought they're alright. As we gather round the table, bow our heads in thankfulness, with tear filled eyes, my heart cries Still Blessed. "

What! Gray Hair? No Way!

As I was putting on my make-up this morning, (mostly with my eyes shut), I bent to see my face in the mirror, and lo and behold I noticed that there were a lot of gray hairs brightly shining in the mirror! Surely not! But yes, there they were and I have to admit, it must be getting around to that time of my life that those little gray pieces of age are going to be popping up more and more.

Now, let me see. What would be other reasons for these little gray hairs to suddenly accumulate in my hair. Could it be that my age is now going to start to show? I am a year older than this time last year. And I do have a couple more grandchildren than I did this time last year. And I have put on a pound or two since then.

Did I say two new grandchildren? Ah, since we are talking about grandchildren, I must confess, they are the loves of my life. Let me share them with you.

My little man, Owen; he looks so precious in his suit. He was modeling it for me the day that Kate was baptised. Isn't he just so handsome. Nope, no gray hair from that.

Then there is my little baby-girl Kate. Oh, just when she looks up you with those big sweet eyes, like Paula said, a camera just cannot capture that image. I will remember it always in my mind though. She just coos at you and smiles, and melts your heart. Don't think that is the cause of my gray hair.

Then there is little man Christian. Oh, what sweetness. He gets so excited over things. He runs into the house and up into my arms and gives me big hugs! Then it's down as quickly as possible to go play with the "Trucks"! and anything else with wheels. At times, when he gets so excited, he gives you this little "look". His eyes get big as baseballs, he squinches his forehead, and then his mouth makes a great big "O", and he shakes his head...and then sometimes he just laughs..such a joy! Um, no reason for gray hair there..

Next is my big little man Colton. He is in 1st grade, going on 2nd....and he's starting to like girls just a little bit. He's the Big Brother, and awsome at bowling Wii! In fact, I would say he is the star player...usually bowls well over 200! And he still gives Mimi hugs and kisses, and that is the most important thing! But he likes to sneak cookies. I had a dream that I caught him sneaking a cookie out of the pantry the other night! Very much BOY! Gray hair? Nah..

Then we come to Marissa. That long long red hair would make any girl jealous. She is so petite and sweet, and likes shorts. One day she came over and had at least 5 pairs of shorts on. That was a while back, so we will see if the trend continues over this summer. She also likes to pretend that she is talking on the phone...Yes, uh-huh, ok...etc,etc. She is also an excellent Wii-bowler. She and Colton have been teaming up lately against Aunt Pat, and giving her a run for her money! Can't see this little sweetie causing any gray hairs...

And we can't forget Baby Cooper. He is so cute! He's one of the happiest babies I've known. Wants to be right in the middle of what is going on. He decided Sunday at church that he was going to help the preacher with the sermon! He put in his two cents and was heard! He's adorable. Definately no reason for gray hair there.

Well, I guess I must sum up the reason for gray hair to age and part of life. But that's ok. I'm ready for it. No Miss Clariol for me. I'll take what I can get. After all, the reasons are not important. I think I've kinda earned those gray hairs. I've lived almost 58 years. A wonderful husband; great & talented children, with awesome mates, and beautiful grandchilren; loving sisters and a brother; great in-laws. What else could I ask for? Every day I am showered with so many blessings. I can sum it up with these words:

There's never a day He doesn't give me what I need.

Even when I wake up thru the storm, my soul cries peace,

Sometimes I try to count them (blessings), there's TOO many I confess,

So with arms upraised, I just say still Blessed!

a few updates....

Well, what a few weeks this has been. Summer is gone! Fall slipped right in and the leaves came and went. We had some beautiful foliage this year. Driving to and from work seemed to be the only time I had to see some of it. And we've already had our first snow of the year. Hopefully you can see those little snow flurries in the picture.

Baby Cooper arrived on October 6, weighing in a 9lbs 2 oz...He had his doctor visit yesterday and he's at 13 lbs. Cute little guy too. Colton, Marissa and Christian have taken to him very well, and especially Christian is very protective of him. I was able to snap this pic Saturday afternoon while the Summey's were visiting. Definately a house full there!

Paula is doing well, with her pregnancy, and we are planning her baby shower for December 20. We are all very excited about the new baby girl! She has been very busy doing shows, making pottery and so much more! I do not know how she does everything. She has so much inititive, and drive; with little Owen and working full time. We are so blessed to to have Kevin who is so dedicated to his family. I know he's a great help to her.

You may have noticed in the picture of Mike's family, the Wii Fit box..Boy o boy o boy...I started on it last friday night. I really have to work on this! It's fun and the time flies when you are at it! but I know it's going to be a great tool to help me get into shape! But I'll have to keep the bottle of motrin close at hand for all those sore muscles!

On another Wii note, Colton and Marissa are becoming stars at Wii!. Colton often scores over 200 on bowling and Marissa's high this week is 186! boxing is another favorite, with tennis coming on board as well.

And we have survived yet another Presidential Election. Though my candidates did not win, we must accept the results and pray for our President whoever is in office. Charles Stanley has a great little card that offers things to pray for the president and other officials. You can probably find this on his web site.

But we know that God is in control of it all!

Owens' big finish!

October 18, 2008! Paula and Kevin are the proud parents of their little fellow who has decided recently that he likes to run around the house with no clothes on! It seems that he has found out how to "disrobe" himself....I can just see that look in his little eye as he takes off his diaper and charges out of the room! I bet he thinks its funny to see the look on his parents face when he does that too!...He is a cad!

During dinner, he decides that he wants to try out the potty chair...so mom and dad take him to his potty and he completes his task. Mommy says that she and Daddy were so excited that you would have thought they had won the lottery! and in a way, they did! a big finish for our baby boy O who won't be a baby boy for much longer. He's on his way to being our Little Man!!!! We love you O...

Isn't he a handsome little man!!!! This is his school pic!

WOW!....

WOW!!! shame on me!! it has been way too long since I've blogged. So much to do..But hopefully I can do some catch up soon. I've really been drawn to this crazy election stuff. I think it's driving everyone crazy. Ups and downs in both campaigns. Also, I have a nephew running for District Court Judge and hoping to get with him in a few days to work with him on that. I think it will be interesting to get involved in a little of the political arena and see some "behind the scenes" goings on..

more later...

busy weekend!!!

This was definately a busy weekend for everyone. Paula and Kevin and little "O" were busy moving into their new house which is absolutely gorgeous! and Bruce and I went down for a few hours on Friday to see if we could help. Well, Bruce did the helping..I did the visiting. Paula and O and I went to see Owen's new cousin, Hannah, Susies' new 4month old granddaughter. She is quite the beautiful baby and we enjoyed seeing her for the first time as well as Susie, Jennifer, Jessica and Sydney and Bob. Susie also has a wonderful back yard that is like an oasis. You have to see it to believe it! I should have taken my camera, but I was so rushed because I had to work that morning I forgot to pick up the camera! Shame on me..No pics of Owen either!

More to write, but it's back to work for now...

finally, pics! the babes in action!

finally, I figured out how to add pics to my blog! So here they are, my pride and joys! Christian, taken at Marissa's recital. Owen having birthday pizza! Colton graduating from his kindergarten class (little boy on the left, green shirt), and Marissa performing for me at her recital! This year certainly has flown by with so much going on. I'm sure the rest of the year will be just as interesting. You grandkids will probably never see this...but know that I love you all very much!!!