Life In Gradyville

Vacation is over....

2010-08-01T19:09:00.000-05:00

Well, as I write this my vacation will be over in just under 6 hours. "So what did you do?", you ask. Well....

1) On Sunday we helped to host a group of International Students from Taiwan, and after taking them to attend our church service, we went to our local Japanese Garden to let them see the butterfly house:

2) On Monday, we "kidnapped" two of those students, and took them to Silver Dollar City. The park is open until 10PM for a week, so we took advantage and went down during the evening. Unfortunately it rained on us and some of the rides were shut down because of the lightning risk for a while. But they had lots of fun nonetheless.

3) On Tuesday, we had them over to our place while we babysit our granddaughters. We cooked chicken on the grill, then roasted marshmellows over our man-made 'fire pit' a.k.a. burned out tree stump:

4) On Wednesday, I attended our church's "Summer Arts Festival" ending celebration program, where my wonderful, beautiful, 5-yr old granddaughter sang with the Pre-K choir.

(She's the 2nd from the right on the top row.)

Earlier that day, I did submit some peanut butter/chocolate fudge to our county fair in hopes to get a ribbon:

Later that evening (REALLY later), Billy & I drove to Rolla to attend a Campus Missionary training. We were there until Friday afternoon. I got to spend some quality time with my hubby, as well as the other wives who attended.

5) Once we returned from Rolla on Friday, we then met up with some of the Taiwan students at the fair for their last night here in America.

And found that my fudge had.....

...placed 2nd!! I was out to beat my sister-in-law this year (all in good fun!!), and she got 3rd with her candy:

I was also proud of my daughter who entered chocolate chip cookies and placed 1st!!

Way to go Ashley!!!

We walked around the Exhibitors Hall and the students became very interested in the Beekeeping booth:

Then we met up with an old high school friend who is now a DJ on a local Christian radio station:

So he let them talk live on the air! Bet they had never done that before in America!!

I think they all had a good time, but were sad to leave. We met up with the group at the airport the next morning to see them off:

Both girls started to cry when they had to leave us to go through security. Some times I think we just don't realize how good of a life we have here until someone from another country visits. Although we usually take them and do a lot of things we might not even do ourselves, they are always such a blessing in our lives.

So I can say that my vacation was good, and even though I took no major trips this time, it was good to stay around home and relax.

2010-07-25T23:00:00.000-05:00

You know, it's been forever since I've updated, so sue me! We've been rather busy the last few months; you would think with school being out (meaning College), things would slow down. But NOOOO!!! There are still lots of stuff to do and activities to attend to even though a lot of the local students are either back in their hometowns or working their behinds off.

The BSU still has their English Conversation meetings on Saturday mornings during the summer, because there are still international students that stay in the country during the summer months and take classes. Our main group is the Chinese students, and we are trying to get some of the other groups to join us. I don't always get to attend, but when I do go it's quite interesting depending on the subject matter.

Along with the conversation help, they also take those students to different area historical places to even further help them understand American culture. They have been anywhere from our local history museum, to our National Battlefield, Wilson's Creek. We also have had a couple of cookouts, which some of them have never experienced. For the 4th of July, we took a group to Branson Landing for their fireworks show. And we had a drive-in movie night planned, but it rained that evening. Unfortunately a lot of those students will be graduating and leaving soon, so we have very little time with them.

So as you can see, even summertime is busy at the BSU. As long as there are students on campus, the BSU will have opportunities for fellowship and just having fun.

So I will try to update this more and more, and add pictures, etc. But as always, here is a recent picture of our granddaughters eating watermelon on the 4th:

Aren't they adorable!!! =)

No-Bake "Dream" Cookies

2010-04-25T22:38:00.000-05:00

I decided to do something a little different this time. I've been inspired by another blogger; (http://thepioneerwoman.com/) but please don't compare my blog to hers...she's a PROFESSIONAL!!)

While attending school in the 60s, 70s and 80s, the cafeteria ladies would make what they called "dream cookies". They were basically 'no-bake' cookies. They were dreamy. But we only got one. So as I got older, my Mom taught me how to make them with a recipe she got from...well...not sure where she got it. All I know is, they were DEE-LISH!! And if you didn't make them in just the right way, or under the right conditions they were either very gooey, or very dry.

For instance; you only need 1/2 cup of butter or margarine. Which is basically one stick. Well, my mom decided to buy some different brand one time, and these 'sticks' were 'shorter'. They didn't look the same as the other ones. And I didn't read labels back then. I just knew you put in ONE stick of butter. However, these looked smaller, so I added TWO. Needless to say we were eating those cookies with a spoon.

I have also discovered that the humidity level matters as well. If it's too humid (above 70%), there's a chance they may not 'set up'. So fall/winter is usually the best time to make them here in southwest Missouri.

Okay....enough of the small talk; here's how I make them:

Put 1/2 cup of butter/margarine, 2 cups of sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa, and 1/2 cup of milk in a 3-qt saucepan.

*hint: mix the sugar and cocoa together really well before you add it to the pan.

Here's what it looks like so far:

Bring this mixture to a ROLLING BOIL.....stirring occasionally. Now it looks like this:

Once it comes to a ROLLING BOIL, set your timer for ONE minute, and DON'T stir.

Then remove from the heat and add the following:

1/2 cup peanut butter, 3 cups QUICK cooking oatmeal, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1/2 cup chopped pecans (opt).

Now you have this:

(Don't worry, it will look better soon!)

(See, I told you.)

Mix this up really well, then drop by tablespoon-full on cookie sheets lined with waxed paper.

You should end up with something like this:

I let them 'set up' for about 1/2 hour, then transfer the cookie sheets to my refrigerator. After about another hour, they should be set enough to transfer to a container. Make sure you keep them tightly covered. I also put mine in the refrigerator. It seems to help them from drying out (as long as you put the lid back on everytime you get one, two, or ten out).

Another thing, our schools always made them square. So I'm assuming they poured the entire batch onto the cookie sheets, then cut them into squares after they set up. I haven't really tried that method yet. Maybe they just greased the cookie sheets first? Perhaps with butter? Or I guess you could cover the cookie sheet with the waxed paper making sure it hangs over the edges. But you'd have to flip it over and peel off the waxed paper before you cut them or you'd have little bits of waxed paper to pick out of your teeth. I prefer the 'spoon' method myself.

ENJOY!!

MOPACC

2010-04-09T22:25:00.000-05:00

I am a member of MOPACC....Missouri Professional Association of Court Clerks. It is made up of clerks around the State who work in the court system. They are clerks who answer the phone, greet the public, make endless copies of files, deal with difficult people (who some times are Attorneys). They are supervisors and office managers of those court offices. And we even have some members who are the elected Circuit Clerks themselves. The organization has been around for over 30 yrs. I have worked for the Courts for 19yrs, but have only been an official member for 2 yrs. (just call me a 'late bloomer')

My supervisor/office manager signed me up and the office pays for our membership fees. Once a year we have a conference where all the members gather in one location for 2-1/2 days to learn, listen to other clerks, laugh, and have fun. It's a nice get-a-way from the everyday hum-drums of the office. I am blessed to have such a wonderful office manager and Circuit Clerk who allows me, her and another manager to attend.

The State is basically divided into 10 'regions' made up of 10-12 counties a piece. Each region has their own 'director' who oversees getting information out to their region about membership in the association, as well as the conference information.

The director serves for 2 yrs; and this year the current director for our region had already served for 4 yrs and was really wanting to step down. SO.....who did my sweet manager nominate? ME. I wasn't sure if I wanted to accept that responsibility or not! She promised to help me. I'm going to hold her to that.

Easter 2010

2010-04-03T21:40:00.001-05:00

Easter weekend began with a lunch at Billy's parents; so we all got together and had a scrumptous lunch:

But before we all dug in, the little ones went outside and had some fun with bubbles:

THEN we ate.

Then it was time to hunt for eggs!!

No, not THOSE kind of eggs.....

THESE kind of eggs!! (the nice purty plastic ones that you can fill with goodies!!)

So let the hunting begin!!

Our oldest granddaughter knows just how to fill up a bag!!

While our youngest one still needs a little help from Dad.

(Annabella....THERE'S one!!!)

Then it was time to FLY KITES!! YAHOO!!!

GO Sydney...GO!!!

Tinker Bell had some problems with flowing with the wind.

"Tinker Bell...I'm coming to save you!!"

Here's our son, trying to fly his HUMONGOUS kite.

Yes, THIS son.

Once they were tired of kite-flying, the youngest cousins decided to rest on the swing.

Aren't they adorable!??!

And this is what happens when you let the oldest granddaughter borrow your camera:

All in all it was a fabulous day. Great weather, great family and great food!

Billy & I pray that you and yours have a blessed Easter and that you are able to attend a church service somewhere in your area. We will be celebrating with our church family and I am blessed to be able to sing with a great choir and play in a great handbell group. Hallelujah, He IS risen!!

2010-03-31T22:00:00.007-05:00

Billy & I got the privilege to go to our granddaughter's preschool (which happens to be at Second Baptist) and help color Easter eggs.

So we dipped the eggs in the dye.

Even Great Grandma got to come!! Bet there weren't too many
GREAT Grandmas there!!

After we colored their 2 eggs, we headed over to have some fun with temporary tattoos....

Hopscotch....

More hopscotch....

And yet MORE hopscotch.

Once we were done playing hopscotch and getting some cool tattoos, we all had a sugar cookie and listened to the Preschool director (who I actually went to High School with) read us a couple of Easter stories. All in all it was a great morning!

2010-03-29T10:01:00.001-05:00

Getting ready to head with Billy over to our oldest granddaughter's preschool to help color Easter eggs. I will be sure and take lots of pictures, and post some here later. Wonder if they will provide some of those 'smocks' for the adults to wear as well!!

2010-03-25T08:16:00.002-05:00

Spring is still here....but showing it's 'wet' side. But the result of green grass, leaves on the trees and pretty flowers will make it worth the gloominess!

Billy & I are part of a group called International Friends. In a nutshell you become a host family to an international student that is attending one of our local universities while they are here. The students have a chance to sign up for the program, then they are matched up with families.

There is an orientation held for all host families with tips and ideas on just how to be a good 'friend'. (and the 'dos and don'ts')

Billy & I currently have approximately 5 students that we have 'adopted' for this semester. You normally have them the entire time they are here, which can range from 1 year up to 4 years. You don't actually keep them in your homes, but instead just keep up with them by email, phone calls or occasionally inviting them to your home for a meal.

It's also neat that when they leave, they usually still keep in touch with you. You also have that chance with some to 'plant the seed' per say, and hopes that it will grow and bloom for the Kingdom!!

We have had students from Korea, China, Jamaica, Africa and India. Our most recent group is from Indonesia, Pakistan and Mongolia. You can learn so much from them, and they want to learn the same from us!

And the numbers are growing every year. It's so fulfilling to see what a difference you could make in someone's life. Our ultimate goal is that they come to know the One who will provide eternal life and hope.

Today is the birthday of one of my closest high school friends, and who was my maid of honor in my wedding. Happy Birthday Sandra!!

2010-03-23T10:31:00.003-05:00

It's a beautiful Spring day...finally. I think this past weekend's storm was just Winter trying to keep his grasp on us...but it didn't work!!

Today was "free pastry day" at Starbucks (which a drink purchase...) so I got my skinny vanilla latte and some pumpkin bread. (the 'skinny' part cancels out any fat the bread has...right?)

Then my daughter calls and says they were just there and she was headed over to my office building to wait on me so I could say "Hi" to my granddaughters. It's amazing how just getting to see them for a few minutes can make my day!!

I've been trying to get some exercise and shed a few added pounds, so now I try to walk at least 1/2 hour during my lunch time. I've mapped out a 1-mile course around my office building by using a Google map pedometer. (http://www.trails.com/googlemap.aspx)

I map out a route and it tells me how far that walk is. So I have 3 different routes depending how much time I have or how far I want to walk that day.

May your weather be nice enough today for a walk!!

My how time flies....

2010-03-21T21:39:00.005-05:00

Yes, I know...it's been a while. Don't remind me. I know of other blogs where they are updated DAILY. And yet I hardly ever update this.
Sigh....okay. If I'm going to keep this page, then I need to update at least every other day. So I might not have much to say; so what! And some days I may have a LOT to say...but better not.I titled this post because another niece was married this weekend. A niece who, like the rest, just grew up all of a sudden. Just yesterday she was playing with all her other cousins....well, so it wasn't just yesterday. It was like 18 yrs ago. Here is a picture of the lovely couple:
And we have one more niece that is getting married in October. Then all the nieces will be married. And I will feel so much older.
Speaking of marriages, Billy & I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary on the 14th. Oh, and Billy's 49th birthday. He missed it by one year to get a free season pass to Silver Dollar City. Bummer.

The BSU work is still going strong; we took a group of students to Engage the first weekend of March. It was a great weekend of good music and speakers, and I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't been sick. =( I had just been bragging about how I had not been sick, and BAM! That's what I get for bragging. So now when people ask me how I am, I tell them 'not so well'. Just in case the flu bug is listening in. =)
Our first and second day of Spring here in Southwest Missouri haven't been so 'spring-y'. We had a cold rain yesterday followed by ice last night and into today. But the good thing is it will all melt tomorrow.
Upcoming events.....let's see. Easter. Handbell group doing a mini-concert. Billy's trip to Haiti. Church choir singing at Silver Dollar City. Our summer trip to Central Asia (hopefully!). And probably lots of other stuff in between that I am totally forgetting about right now.

And before I sign off...I cannot do so without posting some pictures of my beautiful granddaughters.
See? I told you they were beautiful!!

2009-12-04T12:40:00.003-06:00

Once again, I find myself thinking "geez, it's been a LONG time since I updated our family blog". I have let other things get in the way. I mean, even our former pastor and wife who is now serving in Africa find time to update their blog page almost EVERY day!! Surely I can find the time to update this at least once a WEEK!!

I admit I've been feeling a little down with seeing them already serve where they know God has lead them, and wondering when 'our turn' will be. I know He has the timing all worked out, I just have to be patient. (yeah, right!)

December is a busy month between activities at the BSU and activities at our church. I joined the handbell group last January, so this is my first "Christmas" season playing. And I must say they are a busy group! But I love playing so it's all good. This week we kick off playing tonight at Springfield's monthly "First Friday Artwalk" which is in the downtown area. We are setting up at St Paul's United Methodist Church and will play off and on from 7-9. In between playing we will get to enjoy cookies and hot chocolate! (yum!!)

On Tuesday the 8th I will be treating my Mom for her birthday to a show at our church called "Uncle Phil's Diner".

The handbells then play at our local mall on Sunday afternoon the 13th. In addition to our church activities, I am once again involved in a choir for The Messiah Project's Christmas program on December 18th. They are also doing the opera "Amahl & The Night Visitor" again this year, but I chose not to participate in that this year with all the other things going on. The choir is doing excerpts from Handel's Messiah.

Our church choir is gearing up for a really nice music program on Sunday the 20th; and the handbells get to accompany one of the songs from that program as well. (by the way...you can watch all of the Sunday broadcasts on their website http://www.secondbaptist.org/index.htm just click on "watch live"!)

The bells play one last time on the 22nd at our historical courthouse; which is handy for me since it's just 2 buildings down from our Judicial Building!

In 'other news', our son-in-law lost his job at Hotels.com just before Thanksgiving (wasn't that nice of them!) and he's currently training to help deliver pizza for a new company that just opened up in town. We're praying that he will find something more permanent soon. Our daughter is still working at OTC part-time but they will be on Christmas break soon which means no work from mid-December until mid-January.

Our oldest granddaughter Sydney is now attending pre-school and loving it. She had a few problems at first getting used to the 'rules', but I think she's doing much better now. She is definitely a smart cookie!! Annabella is busy trying to learn all the things her older sister does, and is learning lots of new words as well. Here is Sydney at a recent field trip:

They went to the Nature Center.

Here is both sisters proud of their 'tower' that they've made:

Billy was able to go deer hunting this year for the first time in a while. After about 3 days, he finally shot one, but it got away and he never did find it. I told him they must have some good 'deer doctors' that fixed him up.

Chris is still attending OTC and working at Chick-Fil-A at the mall with my Mom. They work well together and have fun at the same time. It's a good company to work for.

SO, as you can see, we have been busy little Gradys! I doubt things will slow down soon, but as they say "that keeps you out of trouble"!

2009-08-05T09:28:00.004-05:00

Wow...it's been almost 2 months since I've been on here. Let's see...in that time period:

1) We visited my father's place at the lake.
2) Celebrated my son-in-law's birthday.
3) Got a nasty spider bite of some kind on my ankle that finally healed after about 2 weeks.
3) Got to participate in the annual Southern Baptist Convention with our church choir and orchestra in Louisville, KY.
4) Took our granddaughter Sydney to Silver Dollar City. (first time we've used our passes this year)
5) Had a fun 4th of July.
6) Was able to help my Mom on 3 different occasions get steroid shots in her back.
7) Had lunch with a good friend.
**8) My mom and I visited my brother and his family in Mound City, KS while one of their sons was home on leave from the Army.**(I kind of missed this one earlier....sorry!!)
9) Attended the Regional Campus Missionary conference in Kirksville with my hubby.
10) Have been to our county fair 2 times.

Speaking of the fair, my boss this year decided to set up a 'booth' in the expo center to let the public know just what our office does, and how they can find out information about cases on a public website called "CaseNet". All of the supervisors and managers have taken turns 'manning' the booth while the fair is here. It started July 31 and runs through August 9th. I had my first turn on Saturday the 1st. Our booth is right next to the "Super Shammy" booth. (not to be confused with the "Sham-WOW"...they ARE 2 different products!!) I think by the end of my 8-hr shift, I could have done their demonstration in my sleep. I believe that if both of the workers just wanted to step away for a bit, I could have helped them out.

I didn't get too many people to stop by, but then again, it's hard to ask people if they want to see if their neighbor/boyfriend/girlfriend, etc. has any active cases or warrants for their arrest. My fear was that someone WOULD want to find out, and then end up finding something. I get another turn on Thursday. Good thing I didn't finish all my crossword puzzles.

One of the concert acts this year at the fair was the Little River Band. I liked them in the 80s, so thought it would be a good concert. I wasn't disappointed. My sister was supposed to go with me, but on her way back from Florida, she had a run-in with a blown tire from a Semi so it delayed her from getting home in time to go. So I took my mom instead. I was surprised on just how many from 'her generation' were there. And boy, some of those old guys could really get their 'groove' on!!

Billy and some college students are currently in Glorieta, NM at a collegiate leadership conference. Other than a tire blow-out on the way, (what's with tires this week??) everything is going well. Needless to say, he went ahead and had 4 new tires put on the van before they head back. I hear it is very beautiful there; I've not been there but hope to go next year.

Christopher will start class on August 20th at OTC, and MSU classes begin on August 24th. The summer is quickly coming to a close. Which means things will only get busier for at least Billy and Chris. For me it just means time to rearrange my clothes in the closet.

Happy Birthday Sydney!!

2009-06-08T12:18:00.003-05:00

Today is our granddaughter Sydney's 4th birthday. We had a party for her over the weekend; here is the link to the pics:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2010757&id=1304340063&l=7acc5e3506

She is growing up to be a very sweet and funny young lady. And I am still amazed at all the words she knows, as well as her colors and numbers. Her mom and dad are doing a great job of teaching!! She will start pre-school in August; I bet she already knows more than her classmates!!

2009-06-05T11:05:00.002-05:00

Yeah, I know...it's been almost 3 months since my last post. I blame Facebook. Okay....here is a link to pics from our latest Central Asia trip:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2010591&id=1304340063&l=0c3c7cccf0

I have a full weekend ahead; practice on Saturday morning with some folks that will be a part of Hymnsing at 2nd Baptist in the fall; then PARTY for our oldest granddaughter Sydney. She will be 4 years old!! Hard to believe!! Sunday is normal church stuff, then another practice that afternoon for our trip to Louisville, KY June 23 and 24. Pastor Marshall will be bringing the message on the 24th for the National Southern Baptist Convention, and our choir and orchestra is leading the music for that day.

I was just thinking the other day that about our Silver Dollar City passes that we bought for this season, and that we have yet to use!! It seems our Saturdays have been filled up, and we've had no time to go. Sunday afternoons are usually free, but even those have been busy lately! I'm thinking we are going to have to take off on a weekday just to get to use them.

So I will try to update this more often than I have; but I say that every time. Of course for all of my readers that have Facebook, you can keep up with our clan that way as well.

2009-03-18T21:26:00.002-05:00

It seems that March is a popular wedding month. I already know of 2 couples that married in March, and Billy & I make another one.

On March 14, 1982 I married a handsome 21-yr old. Actually, he turned 21 on the 14th. For the past 27 years we have laughed and cried together. We've had our good years and bad years. (well...maybe just ONE year....) But through it all he is the only one I would want to spend those years with.

We spent our 'day' in Branson shopping and being with each other. We ate dinner down on Branson Landing and just enjoyed each other's company. It was a good day spent with someone I love very much.

2009-02-28T20:15:00.006-06:00

Can't go without showing pics of the grandkids (now that they are back in town); so we had chili for lunch last Sunday:

Annabella did pretty well with hers; she mainly picked out the beans and ate the fritos.

Sydney doesn't really 'like' chili, but we got her to eat at least a few bites (after we put fritos and cheese on it). Then later Sydney wanted a banana, so she decided to share it with her sister:

I quickly found out that there are no "small bites" when Annabella wants a bite!
I just thought the look on Annabella's face was precious.

The 2nd Baptist choir was invited to sing the National Anthem at the MSU Lady Bears game Friday night (the game was sponsored by 2nd) so a group of about 25-30 of us got to stand at center court and sing. It was fun!! They also sing the anthem at a Spfld Cardinals game as well, usually in August. Here are some pictures of the game:

We had really great seats!!!

Best of all, they won!!

Even after living here in the Ozarks for pretty much all my life, the weather here still amazes me. On Thursday evening we once again had bad storms, and the high that day had been around 70. Friday's high was only in the 30s, and over night and most of today we got about 2-3" of snow!! It's funny that we tell people that don't normally live here "just wait a few minutes, and the weather will change"! But that's just about the truth. Here's what our backyard looked like at around 9:00 this morning:

Billy is with a group of college students at a leadership development conference near St Louis. They will be back tomorrow afternoon. It's hard to believe tomorrow is March 1!! And in only 14 days, Billy & I will celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary. Oh...and Billy will celebrate his 48th birthday. MY, how time flies!!!

2009-02-15T20:36:00.003-06:00

Yes...it's been a little bit since my last post. So let's see...this is what I've (we've) done since my last post:

--Watched grandkids twice while daughter took son-in-law to E.R. and found out he had pneumonia.
--I joined the handbell group at church.
--We had to take 1 of our 2 vehicles to the shop 3 times for a bad heater core.
--Watched grandkids so daughter & son-in-law could unpack some more boxes.
--Sat in our house oblivious to the fact that a F-1 tornado was 'skipping' through the southern part of the city (and fairly close to the BSU!).
--I went with my sister and mom to Branson for a little shopping and eating.
--Billy & I celebrated Valentine's Day at Rib Crib and watching Madagascar: Escape to Africa.
--I discovered that not playing handbells for the past 5 yrs can cause sore arms!
--Had chinese for dinner.
--Got papers together for getting our taxes done.
--Made german chocolate cookies and pnut butter cookies.
--Went to a great-nephew's birthday party.
--Got great big hugs from my 2 granddaughters!

Well...I think that's about it. Sometimes I think my week is pretty boring, but once I make a list, I discover it really wasn't!!

2009-02-01T20:59:00.002-06:00

It's been a 'back-breaking' weekend. Our daughter and family moved back from Memphis this weekend, and we cleared out their storage unit and into their apartment on Saturday. Well...I should say Billy & Chris cleared it out, and my mom and I stacked everything in the living room and kitchen!!

But they are all moved in, and the girls finally get to sleep in their own beds and play with toys they haven't seen since September. We are thrilled they are back, but please continue to pray for Danny & Ashley as they try to find work.

We had a great Global Impact weekend at church as well, and I discovered that a former high-school classmate is now a church-planter in Chicago! Eric Arnall graduated a year after I did, and he also worked with my mom at the old Sears building downtown. It was good to connect again after all these years.

First Ice Storm of 2009

2009-01-26T19:35:00.002-06:00

This was taken outside our front door about 7:30 p.m. this evening. It has been freezing rain/sleeting now for about 3 hours. So far we still have electricity, but that might change overnight as we get more and more ice. And with temperatures below freezing for a few more days, it will take a while to melt!!

2009-01-18T21:46:00.003-06:00

Yes, I know it's been a few days. And there really hasn't been that much going on; Billy & I are finally almost over our colds we caught while away, and other than our jobs not a lot has been going on....well kind of.

A few months ago Billy & I had started contemplating changing churches. With our decision to some day live overseas, we thought it would be nice to attend the same church as my mom until that time. We haven't attended church together for over 25yrs. We both agreed that this move would be good. So today, we officially joined Second Baptist. Not only are they a true mission-minded church, but they have some awesome music programs which I have truly missed over the years. Billy & I are both hoping to get 'plugged' in and serving once again.

Last Wednesday I attended my first choir practice with my mom; I haven't been in a choir with my Mom since I was a teenager. It was fun! They are in a transition right now finding a full-time worship pastor, but they've been able to have some awesome 'interims'. I'm looking into joining their handbell choir, and my goal is to also get back into playing my violin in the orchestra. I've also been able to catch up with some dear people that we haven't seen since we attended First Baptist over 4yrs ago. (and even one gal that I haven't had contact with since my high school days!!) It's been a fun week!!

And when Ashley & Danny move back to Springfield, perhaps they too will choose to join us. I leave you with a picture I took after we got our little 'snowfall' on Friday.

I saw these 'paw prints' on our back patio, but also saw some 'bird prints' crossing the path of the paw prints. It's funny how they overlapped. I wondered who got there first. Unfortunately, after the snow melted, we found a little bird just off the patio to the right of the brush. I think it's covered in snow in the photo. Poor birdie. Bad kitty!!!

2009-01-13T09:13:00.002-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!!

I hope you are enjoying lots of cake and ice cream with Grandpa; the great thing is, you no longer have to worry about your blood sugar being too high!!

LOVE YOU!!!

2009-01-12T19:39:00.002-06:00

Okay, so I wasn't able to keep this updated like I wanted to while Billy & I were away, but I do have pictures posted here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001122&l=f63d1&id=1304340063

It was a good trip; and just gave us more and more insight to the needs of those who need to hear the gospel in an area full of biblical historical sites.

So here we are, already in 2009. Our nation has a new President, and our State a new governor. Who knows where we will be this time next year?? As with any new year, my personal goal is to lose weight and become more 'fit'. I found out from this last trip that my body is in dire need of toning and strengthening. If it wasn't for Billy pulling me up some of those hills, I might still be over there!!!

2008-12-28T20:10:00.002-06:00

Here is a link to pictures from our Christmas with family:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001091&l=684a3&id=1304340063

I don't have a lot of time to write; Billy & I head out tomorrow for Central Asia. I will try to update when I can as we are only taking Billy's computer with us. But I promise to take lots of pictures and hopefully have lots of stories to tell. We return to the states on January 9th.

Please pray for no delays or bad weather!!

2008-12-24T09:51:00.002-06:00

Well, if a funeral can be 'beautiful', Grandpa Freeman's was just that. Yes, there were tears shed, but even in those tears we were all grateful that he is no longer in pain and has a whole body again.

Billy & Chris did an awesome job on the slideshow they did of Grandpa's life. I think everybody needs a slideshow of their life to pass down to future generations. It will be neat to show it to those great-grandkids that were too young to really get to know Grandpa.

I've caught my first cold of the season; I had even disciplined myself to take a multi-vitamin every day and had been doing that for over 3 months, but then I ran out a couple of weeks ago and kept forgetting to get more. Well, sure enough I catch a cold. So my hubby graciously got my vitamins and I'm taking them once more. I hope to be rid of it by Sunday or my plane ride on Monday will not be a very nice one!!

The kids are here for Christmas so I will be sure and post pics and videos. Annabella is walking really well and still loves to dance to any music. I think Santa is bringing some awesome gifts this year!!

2008-12-20T21:51:00.003-06:00

Since I've last wrote, we lost a loved one in Billy's family. His grandfather passed away on Wednesday afternoon. But he had fought as long as he could and was ready to go home. The funeral will be Monday morning, which is predicted to be nice and cold! Billy has been going through dozens of picture albums and boxes of pictures for a slide show.

My performance in The Miracle of Christmas/Amahl & The Night Visitors Friday night went well; I had a good time but am glad it's over. I had forgotten about how all those extra nights of rehearsals can start to wear on you!

Ashley, Danny and the girls will be coming here after all for Christmas; since the funeral is on Monday, they are staying through Christmas. We have missed them so it will be nice to have them here with us. (now I REALLY have to get my shopping done!!! EEK!!!)