Great Weekend!

We had such a nice weekend. Melissa and Jason came home for a 3 day visit. Because they were here, we got to see alot of Tom, Jennifer and Olivia; and today my mom and dad came for church, lunch and a fun afternoon of visiting. There is nothing better than having all the family around--however, I have to admit to enjoying the quiet once again :o)

My favorite picture from the weekend...
Our daughter-in-law Jennifer with her darling little daughter.

The View from my Desk!

I snapped this pic with my phone at work today. Olivia's regular sitter could not watch her at all this week, so Grammy has been filling in. Olivia helped me lead Ladies' Bible study Tuesday morning...she sat in the back and sang songs the ENTIRE time. It was adorable :o) Today we worked in my office. My desk has never seen so much fun--playdough, teddy grahams, crayons--oh yeah, and some newsletter work. I have been going back to work in the evenings to keep up. It's been a fair tradeoff! I am afraid I will be bored when I have to go back to working without the playdough :o)

A Good Read

Not much time for posting this week...Vacation Bible School (I'm already tired:o) But here is a link to a wonderful post by Mary Snyder that is so well written and expresses my feelings exactly. It is worth the few minutes it will take to read.

Oh yeah...can you see me jumping up and down??? School starts next week, which means play days with Olivia on Monday and Friday once again--Monday can't come soon enough!

Week 15 Scripture Memory Challenge

Today begins Week 15 in Beth Moore's Scripture Memory Challenge. I am doing pretty good with all 14 verses so far. I sure don't have the wonderful memory I used to have before the age 50 hormone haze set in :o(

I don't usually use the same verse Beth has chosen for herself, but when I read how this verse is speaking to her, I knew it was just the word from God I need to hear. I have copied a bit to this post, mostly so I can refer to it again and again.

“I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me.” Psalm 57:2 NIV

Here’s what God is using that verse to say to me right now: When I’m in a really hard and hurtful situation, somehow the present difficulty of it overrides my conscious thought that God is going to use it in my life and then through my life. Not one time in my entire tenure on this planet has He ever failed to turn around and use the hardship for good. NOT ONCE. Not when I gave Him enough time and cooperation. Yet, in the midst of it, I often can only hang onto Him for dear life while we ride the wave to shore and then stand there in the aftershock and look like I’ve just been on the spin cycle of a washing machine. Afterward, when He invariably turns it into some kind of maturity, intimacy, insight or ministry, I think, “Why didn’t I just trust Him for that at the time??? Why did I have to take it so personally and injuriously?” I want to learn to CONSISTENTLY claim the victory right there in the worst of the pain or crisis. At the very moment that I’m crying out to God Most High for help, as the psalmist says, I want to proclaim that He’s smack in the middle of fulfilling His purpose for me. Challenging stuff.

That's what I am trusting God to be working in me through this difficult season...maturity, intimacy, insight, ministry--whatever He chooses, it will be beautiful!

Two Years Old

Our favorite little sweetie turned two yesterday. I thought the time with my kids flew by, but I think time goes even faster in "Grammy-time". Olivia's mommy suggested a sand box as a gift possibility. I think we found a good one. Daddy and Grandpa put it together this afternoon...with a curious little helper.

As soon as they got the picnic table part assembled, Olivia sat down and said, "Oya ya needs to eat!" She got to eat a cupcake at her new table. My camera battery died so I missed a great chocolate cupcake face shot :o(

Olivia loves to be outside...I think between the new sandbox and the cool pink tricycle from her other Grandma and Grandpa, she may never want to come inside!


Happy 2nd Birthday sweet girl...Grammy loves you!

Score!

Had to post a quick picture of the treasure I got at Goodwill tonight for $1.99 I haven't even cleaned it up yet...not sure what will go inside and I have spent the last 30 minutes trying to make the perfect space (or any space) for it in my room FULL of stuff. But as I frequently remind my sweet hubby--there is always space for something you love :o)

It's late and I still have a messy kitchen to clean up before bed, but I wanted to put up a favorite picture from tonight. My youngest sister and her three boys are staying with our mom/dad for a couple of days and got to come for supper tonight. I love this pic of Grandma/Great Grandma with her kiddos...

Exhausted...With a Smile!

What a weekend...and this old grammy is EXHAUSTED! We crammed LOTS of celebrating into a short weekend. Friday night hubby and I went to an area park for music and fireworks...we thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Saturday a.m. we drove a couple of hours to a family reunion with my sweet hubby's family. This side of the family rarely has the opportunity to spend any time together. The last reunion was 8 years ago. Both our kids and their spouses and of course sweet little Olivia were able to attend with us which made it ever better :o) Unfortunately, I spent so much time enjoying conversation that I failed to get even one good picture :o(

We rushed home trying to decide whether or not to attend Red, White and Boom in Peoria as it had been raining steadily ALL DAY! The rain finally stopped and we enjoyed an awesome display of 4,800 pounds of fireworks.

After church this morning and a quick cookout for lunch we hurried off to Peoria for the Chiefs game. Aramis Ramirez and Reed Johnson were doing some rehab this weekend before returning to the Cubs tomorrow. It was a great game day...hot but not miserable and a great way to end the holiday weekend with lots of smiles for the whole family.





Now--this old grammy could use a nice looooooong nap :o)

Sharing the Joy!

My sister-in-law sent me this link tonight...it made me smile. I think you'll like it! The story is that a 90 year old couple walked into the lobby of the Mayo Clinic and while waiting they spotted a piano. They've been married for 62 years and he'll be 90 this year. They definately still know how to have fun and share their joy.

Happy Father's Day

Time for a quick post of two of my favorite pics from today. It was a great day. My mom and dad came for church/lunch. Tom and Jen and Olivia came for lunch as well. We missed Melissa and Jason, but got to have dinner with them in Indiana Friday night (a fun, unexpected surprise)! My sweet hubby wanted me to take a few shots of him and Olivia in the yard as things are blooming well at the moment and the rain has finally taken a break. These two are my favorites...


Gotta go make some supper for my sweet hubby--the best husband/father around!

Wait for the Lord

I am still hanging in there with the Scripture Memorization Challenge on the LPM blog...not just hanging in there, but really enjoying it. We are up to verse 12 for the year, not bad for an old grammy who doesn't remember much of anything these days :0)

My verse for this next two weeks is Psalm 27:13-14 "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (NIV)

For quite some time I have had a huge, heavy circumstance that concerns me daily. I have been waiting and waiting to see God's answer, often times not too patiently. I like being reminded of the fact that I will see His goodness if I am strong and wait for Him.

Grammy's Having Blog Issues!

Something crazy happened to my blog layout overnight and I have been trying off and on all day to get it back to some kind of normal. This DEFINATELY is not my strong suit. Right now at least I think it is readible...we'll see what happens tomorrow. I added the cute pic of Olivia because this post would be completely boring without it. I like the way she is looking at me...makes me wonder what is going through her mind. Not sure I really want to know :o)

Outside Fun

Starting next week, our Mondays and Fridays are going to be much more quiet and kind of lonely. Olivia's mommy is about to begin summer break. Great for Mommy and Olivia, just a little sad for Grammy and Papa. We started the morning with one of Olivia and Papa's favorite things, pancakes at IHOP! Then who could stay inside on this perfect, BEAUTIFUL spring day? Olivia and I played outside the whole time she was here (except for a much needed nap--hers, not mine:0) She loves playing in the little rose bed fountain, and it's not a bad way to wash off the sand and the bubbles:0)


Taking a little break...playing makes you so tired!

Time for more bubbles...

Olivia kept looking at her Papa today and saying Gampa, Gampa, Gampa with a stinkery little smile...those two are quite a pair.

Ministry Online Conference

I decided to post some information on another online women's conference from A Woman Inspired. The first conference I did with them was great and this one looks interesting as well:

This conference is designed to provide information about ministering online through blogging and other social media. Speakers and topics include:

Alyssa Avant: Finding Your Passion
Amy Bayliss: Split Decisionz: How To Give Your Blog A Facelift
Darcy: Okay So I Have A Blog, Now What?
Dawn Camp: Facebook - Inside and Out
Genikwa Williams: Touching Lives Online: The Power of Social Media to Minister
Karla Porter: Social Media and your ministry
Kristen Schiffman: Embedding Excellence
Leah Adams: 'I Did It My Way' Is Never the Best Way!!
Leigh Gray: Spilling the Beans and the Motives Attached
Maria Reyes- McDavis: Biblical Principles for Social Media Success: A Complete Starter's Guide to Marketing Your Business, Ministry, or Personal Brand
Mary Snyder: Facebook Friends, Twitter Tweets, and Blogging Buddies: The Blessings of Online Friendships
Sarah Martin: He Knows Your Words!
Tracy Jackson: Mommytography- Blogging Version
The Amies: Starting From Scratch With Your Ministry - Leads to Full Q&A Session

The cost is a very reasonable $12.95 including all the speakers and a free e-book starter guide to beginning your own ministry online if you register by May 29.

Summer Bible Study

I am doing the study Me, Myself and Lies by Jennifer Rothschild with the Siestas at the LPM Blog. I got my book in the mail today and am looking forward to the study. Dori at Your Word is Life to Me is doing a sweet giveaway for a signed copy of Jennifer Rothschild's book Self Talk, Soul Talk. You can participate by leaving a comment here. The summer study at the LPM blog is a good way to keep in the Word with a group from the comfort of your own home :-)

Animal Cookies

A couple more pics from our picnic. Papa and Olivia were finishing up their meal by biting the heads off their animal cookies...nice! I love the way she is looking at him in the last picture, it says alot!

Picnic with Grammy and Papa

No time for comments...just a quick post of my favorite picture from our picnic today! Hopefully be back with more later.

Are You God's Masterpiece?

My New Favorite Photo!!!

In case you couldn't tell...she adores her Papa and the feeling is mutual!

Great Worship CD!

Very excited about this. I have been anxiously waiting for this new CD to be released by my favorite worship leader Travis Cottrell. It is almost time. You can go here to listen to some cuts from each of the songs or here for a chance to win a copy.

What is Sweeter...

I can't think of many things sweeter than a sleeping child. When it is nap time at Grammy's, Olivia starts collecting "friends" to toss in the pack-n-play. Yesterday she just had to sleep with our dog Annie's little teddy bear (kinda yucky I know) but what is a Grammy to do?

Spring Swing!

We did this for an hour this morning--we both loved it!

Creation Calls

My blog friend Debbie at Heart Choices posted this video Saturday and it is too good not to share. It is a little long, but worth every minute!

Finally Home!

This last month has been extra busy for us with funerals...some extended family and Monday Andy officiated at the funeral for a good friends mother. I was thinking about all the loss and this song kept coming to mind. I know this song means a great deal to my sweet hubby who still misses his dad a ton. It is a song with a beautiful vocal, but more than that it expresses so well our longing for "home."

Something to Think About

Same topic as yesterday...but it is worth posting about again. I was very moved by this post from Melissa Moore Fitzpatrick today. I think I need to print it and re-read it on a regular basis.

Compassion

If you are not reading the blogs from the Compassion blogger team that is in Inida right now, you don't know what you are missing. You can go here and here for two of many beautiful stories that will move your heart. Hopefully move it toward helping a child.

8 Things

I was tagged by Debbie at Heart Choices. I don't usually find the time to participate in these things, but here goes...

(edited to add: I started this last Tuesday and am just finding time to post on Sunday night, that's how the week has gone :-)

Here are the instructions for 8 Things:
Mention the person that tagged you
Complete the list of 8 things
Tag 8 of your wonderful bloggy friends
Go tell them you tagged them

8 Things I look forward to:
Our 30th anniversary trip in November
Mondays and Fridays with our granddaughter Olivia :-)
Meeting with my Bible study ladies
Walking every day with Shonda and Wanda
Visits from my kids
Anytime with my sweet hubby
Time for scrapping/cardmaking
My nose in a good book

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
Led a.m. Bible study
Started monthly newsletter
Worked on Sunday School lesson
Walked for an hour with friends
Made supper
Drank way too much coffee
Led p.m. Bible study
Watched the end of the Cub game :0)

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
Quit my job
Travel anywhere with my hubby
Spend more time scrapping/creating
Learn about photography/with a good camera
Read more
Meet/visit with Beth Moore
Spend more time with family
Learn to Dance

8 Shows I Watch:
24
LOST
American Idol
Dancing with the Stars
Smallville
Extreme Makeover Home Edition
Rachel Ray (on my days off)
Cub games :-)

Not sure about 8 bloggers to tag, but if you'd like to participate I'd love to hear your 8 Things...like Debbie said, it is nice to get to know you better.

Grammy...

Someone called me by name for the first time yesterday...and it was sweet :-)

Who Knew?

I am not a big one for jumping on the bandwagon... I saw a link to this video several times before I finally watched. I have watched it four times now and been moved to tears. It will leave you feeling good--I promise.

Town Hall for Hope

If you are as tired as I am of all the fear and doom and gloom about the economy in the media you will want to particiate in the free nationwide simulcast event hosted by Dave Ramsey on April 23. It is way past time to start spreading a message of hope. For my friends who live close by, we are hosting the event at Highview Christian Church or you can click on the Town Hall for Hope link in my sidebar to find out more and find a location near you.

My Redeemer Lives!

His Wounds...My Ransom

What Good Friday Means to Me

A Hectic Week--A Random Post

This has been such a busy, hectic week. One of the longest I remember in quite a while. Several late nights at work but, I think I got everything done and the coming week looks LOTS better. My sweet hubby and I are filling in at the last minute for a Sunday School teacher who had to have surgery. We are doing a marriage series based on the Fireproof movie. Prepping this first lesson took a ton of time, but I think it will be good. My Esther Bible study has to take a one week break because our study room will be being used as a polling place Tuesday...no prep for that class will help alot. Because I needed something else to do, I just finished taking an online Photo Editing class--good stuff; can't wait to play with some new photos of my favorite little subject. I have my new kit from Freehand Scraps to play with at our church crop on Friday night. It is called Serendipity and is FULL of beautiful, fun stuff. I am also really looking forward to this coming weeks A Woman Inspired online conference.

A new blog friend linked me to this great blog candy giveaway on a fun blog called My Bucket Overfloweth Kelly does some great cards like this one Pop over there and check it out.

I'm Registered--How About You?

Three Posts in One Day...

is definitely a record of some sort for me. Just wanted to add the details about the A Woman Inspired Conference. It is an online women's conference that looks great. I think I counted 18 different speakers. You can download each session and listen on your own time. I am not registered yet, but will tomorrow. If you register before April 1 the cost is only $12.95, can't beat that. After the 1st the cost goes back to the regular $24.95 (still not bad). Check it out here.

I Made a Card...Instead of Cleaning my House!

I did another card for the Cuttlebug Challenge blog. The challenge this week was Cuttlebug Meets Cupcake. I figure if I participate every week, I would have a bunch of cards made in a years time. It would be good for me to actually make and then send cards instead of all these good intentions...and it is much more fun than vaccuming and laundry!


Now, off to the laundry :-)

What a Difference a Day Makes

A few days ago...


First thing this morning...


Hubby titled this one "A River Runs Through It"


Andy opened the blinds this morning and proclaimed it "Beautiful", I think it would have been stunning in November, at the end of March I am not a big fan. I'll take my spring back, thank you very much!

Monday Morning Smiles!

I couldn't resist taking a minute to put up a couple of pics of the little cutie who showed up this morning sporting some darling pony tails...I LOVE little girls in pony tails! Now off to get my Bible study stuff prepped for tomorrows class while she sleeps.

Pat the Bunny

It finally felt like spring today--BEAUTIFUL! So we played outside as much as we could. Olivia had a very definite opinion as to where the bunny should go this spring...she kept giving this very cuddly, concrete bunny hugs and kisses (yuck)!

I'm Still Here!

Just time for a quick post before the little sweetie gets up from her nap. I got a cute picture today that I wanted to post for Aunt Melissa to see. I think Olivia looks very "grown up". I also got a little video of the game Olivia and Papa play at lunch time when she is here. If he leaves the table she gets this grin and yells Paaapaaa...then he comes running to giggles and grins. I think she could get him to do just about anything!

A Visit from the "Greats"

Great Grandma and Grandpa Dean came for a visit today. A fun time was had by all.

Papa's Little Helper

We had a doggie toy emergency today...Annie's favorite green ball was under the china cabinet. Papa came to the rescue, but not without help. Olivia was so cute laying down beside him with her little arm underneath trying to be just like Papa.