BOY OR GIRL!

This is an update from the happy couple. We find out October 1st if we are having Zachariah John or Alexia Christine......It really doesn't matter to us. We are just excited we are having a baby. Nanna and Pappa wish they could be there to witness this happy day on Wednesday, but are hoping for a picture or two in the mail. We love you Sam and Bri and are looking forward to the call on Wednesday.

Maticulas to a fault

Talked with Angela the other day who told me she had a fingerpaint time with Seth. She said it was the neatest most maticulous paint time she has ever had. In case you don't know Seth is 4 almost 5 years old and very very maticulous, almost to a fault. He is the neatest 4 year old I know. Anyway she said he painted with just two fingers and every time he changed a color she had to wipe his hand. Oh, the teacher that has him next year in kindergarten is in for a treat!!!! He has followed in his mother's footsteps who more than likely followed in mine. I guess neatness to a fault is our family trait, because my mom was like that to.......At any rate he's a cutie and wouldn't trade him for the world.

Keeping your Joy

I don't take any credit for thinking of these things. I found this on WT online. Great source for women.....I thought it was worth posting. It is a long read but well worth it. Sometimes I wish I could be this smart and think of stuff like this.

If we don’t take time to appreciate the joys of life, we rush past them, noticing only the negative things around us. Here are some ways to rise above daily troubles and keep joy at the center of your life.

See God’s divine hand in everything. The simplest and most profound joy comes from knowing the God who created the heavens and earth and everything in them. Creation, in all its splendor, is enough to baffle the mind and flood the heart with unspeakable wonder and joy.

Don’t allow bitterness to stain your soul. As painful as it may be, deal with difficult situations and get on with the business of enjoying life.

Turn a deaf ear to self-doubt and pessimism. Don’t allow naysayers to stifle your dreams or dictate your lifestyle. When your goals are supported by prayer, constructive advice and genuine support, you should follow your heart.

Let go of unnecessary stress. Restore a sense of balance in your life to ensure a healthy, relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle.

Stop making excuses and do something spontaneous. Often, spending time with the people you love or helping someone in need proves to be the perfect antidote to counteract fatigue or negative feelings.

Create a personal oasis and develop personal rituals. Your oasis could be your bedroom, bathroom, porch, back yard or garden. Tranquil spaces and soothing music help create a serene environment. Infuse your home with the things that help promote a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. Surround yourself with colors, scents, sights and sounds you love.

Learn to enjoy silence. Unplug your television, computer and phone to create a peaceful change in your stressful routine. Free your mind from distractions and open your ears to God’s voice.

Laugh. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Despite the difficulties of life, try to maintain a light-hearted attitude.

Banish the mess. Clean and de-clutter your mind and surroundings to create a space for serenity and mental clarity.

Learn something new. Make a list of the things you want to experience in your life. Then begin to do them one by one.

Expand your perspective of the world. The news isn’t all bad. Read National Geographic or watch educational TV. Spend an evening at the library. Spend time traveling with like-minded people.

Talk to elderly people. They can offer wise, witty and informative first-hand accounts of history.

Be forgiving. Deliberately forgive, even when your heart would prefer to wallow in resentment. If forgiveness is difficult, at least pray for a transformation in the life of your offender. Give up grudges and let go of toxic memories. Reconcile with estranged friends and family members, offering the understanding and compassion you would like extended to you.

Start and end the day with prayer, praise and thankfulness. If people and situations contribute to your feeling discouraged during the day, focus your mind on the good things in your life.

Manage anger. Think twice before responding to people and situations. Consciously replace boiling emotions with composed thoughts.

Find healthy ways to let off steam. Pray, exercise, play a musical instrument, listen to your favorite music, do some gardening, paint or write in your journal. Over time, by God’s grace, you can learn to face, deal with and walk away from potentially explosive situations.

Cultivate love in your home. Make “I love you” more than a sentimental greeting on a card. Say it often and show it in tangible ways.

Appreciation for the joys of life is contagious. It begins with you and me. While we must be aware of the troubles around us, we should keep our eyes on God, who provides countless joys in life that help us to hold on and move on.

"51" YEARS!!!!

On August 29th my parents celebrated their 51'st wedding anniversary....How cool is that......to be married to the same person for 51 years......they are awsome parents and have set an example for me to follow....a stick-to-itivness no matter what the circumstances.....thanks mom and dad for being an aswome example of what it means to be COMMITTED to the love of your life through good times and rough times....May you have many more years with each other and may they blessed. I love you both.

FIRST DAY

Today was Ethen's first day to enter the 3rd grade....He was so excited, but fearful at the same time. He called me at 7:30 this morning and asked me to pray for him. Later that morning Angela said that he was in tears on his way to school because he was afraid that they would walk him to class. He told his mom that kids his age don't have their parents walk them to class, and he didn't want to look like a baby :.( Angela understood this more than words could tell.....She convinced him that they would not walk him into the classroom and all was well.

I marvel at how big he is getting and how mature he is becoming. He is only 8 years old, innocent, but seems so grown up. He loves school and is excited about the challenges this year. I am so thankful that Angela allowed him to grow up a little today and walk to class on his own....even though I'm sure it pulled at her heart to want him to stay little and depend on her. Even though he was independent today, there will always be times when he will need to be dependent. She taught him a great truth, and I don't think she even realized it.



Then there is Seth.....it was a first for him also today. Momma homeschooled a little today. We are seeing more and more that he is the perfectionist. She gave him the letter A to trace, and when he started to trace it and messed up it wasn't "perfect" enough for him so he to do another one.....Yes with Seth everything has to be in proper order or it doesn't work.....I think we will need to start praying now for his school years......

....but I love both my grandsons and wouldn't trade their uniqueness for anything. How boring our family would be if they were made the same....they are true brothers that compliment each other....I wouldn't have it any other way. I wonder what our third granchild will be like....we will just have to wait and see......