Random Friday pictures

Today was just a random Friday, but I did take a few pictures, so I thought it was an opportunity to share them on here. It's been a rough week--my mother-in-law is very seriously ill and in ICU. She had 2 major surgeries this week and one exploratory type procedure. She had congestive heart failure this afternoon and a mild heart attack. It's been especially rough on my hubby this week. He's got 2 workers off after some pretty serious surgeries, had a manager gone for a couple days and he's tried to keep up with the hospital too. Please pray for him and for his mom--this is a tough time. There was something so very special that happened today though, I had e-mailed some very dear friends who have moved away, asking them to pray for G'ma. And, today, lo and behold but a man I have always thought SO much of, showed up at the hospital to just encourage my husband. He said he was in the area, and it's not that I don't believe him, but wow.....do I love them all so. (Thanks so much Scott!!)

Anyway, my niece came to surprise her momma this weekend as a birthday surprise, so we were able to get together with them and with the kids for a little while this afternoon. It was nice to see her after several months!

Bryce is being a baby bird--he's in a nest at Aunt Kiki's house. He had a lot of fun being a bird and having everyone come in and see his nest......one at a time, but we all saw the birdie in the nest.

Mia loves playing with her babies. She's trying to get this baby to take it's pacifier. I realize that Mia's nose is a little shiny--she's had the snots for a few days. Sorry I didn't wipe her nose before I took the picture. :)

Here's Sharayah enjoying meeting her newest cousin, Collin. She hasn't been here since Easter, so she had not met him yet. I think she really enjoyed seeing all the kids, seeing them interact with one another, etc. Well, I guess you could call it interacting. :)

This evening, I had the opportunity to keep the boys while Josh and Jayme went out to eat dinner alone. I, of course, took the chance of having them here to snap a few pictures. :) Here's one of Collin and one of his beautiful (almost) smiles. He's starting to be more social and is a very good baby.

My Sweet Grandbabies

The last couple posts are a little depressing to even me. I needed to get those things off my chest, but now I need to post something nice and sweet. So, what better than my grandbabies??? I have been terrible lately about taking pictures, so these may not be real new. Cute anyway, but not real new.

This is Bryce at the OPGA convention a couple weeks ago. He would pose for this picture because he thinks that pipe in the picture is a sewer--you know, where the Ninja Turtles live?? :) Who knows? He's so cute anyway!

Mia was looking at the ducks on the pond at the lodge. She loves ducks, talking about them and seeing them. She saw this picture on my computer and said "duck"...she remembered what we were looking for. Isn't she adorable? :) Of course, I'm kind of prejudice.

And, here's the tiny (hehe!) little Collin boy. He's hanging out with Papaw before the Presidential banquet in the first picture. He looks excited about going to the banquet, doesn't he? Well, the second picture shows you just how excited he was--he's at the banquet looking so excited in his bouncy seat at the dinner.

I guess these pics were all from the convention--but, they were cute pictures of my cute grandkids and I hadn't shared them yet. :)

**P.S. To those of you who have been praying for my mother-in-law, thanks so much. She made it through the 2nd major surgery of the week and one minor surgery/test. God is able and so good.

Continued:

Yesterday's post was written out of frustration and hurt I think. We sat around last night and talked about things. We concluded that generally we are a people who care mostly about ourselves while the rest of the world is dying and going to Hell. Anyway, on my way to Cincinnati today, I listened to my new Brandon Heath CD (it's a good one!), the first song on the CD is so cool and speaks of what I'm talking about....It's called Give Me Your Eyes. It's about seeing hurting, lonely people everywhere and not even noticing. Then asking God to give us His eyes so that we might see. Here's the chorus

Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me Your eyes so I can see

How awesome are those words? They are awesome, but also so convicting....Lord, please give me Your eyes......I need to see.

Why?

I have been pondering on some very serious thoughts lately. Why is it that we, as Christians allow Satan to get our hearts and minds off of what is important in this life? It seems that some Christians are so busy finding fault with their brothers and sisters in Christ that they fail to see the reason we are all here--to win the lost for Christ and to ourselves, become more like Christ. Would Christ criticize a sister in Christ for wearing what he or she deems to be "not church clothes".......would Christ scoff at someone for reading a different version of His Word than the one of King James from 1611?

When will we be able to see people as people whom God loves so much that He sent His only Son to die for? In our ignorance, we continue to complain about the music we sang on Sunday, the verses the preacher read (did they step on toes?) or what Sister so and so was wearing....were those pants in the church??? When will we see the hurting people out in the world who have never seen the love of Jesus Christ? When will we be the ones to show them what Jesus looks like? He's not a picture on the wall of a Sunday School class--He is you and I, Christians (little Christs), living our lives before the world. We have Christ living in us--that's right, He is in us and we are in Him. Galatians 2:20 says that when we are saved we become new creations--old things are passed away!! What do you say, let's start living like we ARE new creations--IN CHRIST.

God has recently challenged me to pray for those hurting. It's amazing when you are burdened for hurting people how many He brings into your path. I want to say "But, God, I'm too emotional......I can't handle this"....then He reminds me that Jesus left Heaven, shed His blood and rose again that I might have the honor and priviledge to pray for those around me. Right now, I'm hurting for and praying for some people who have been hurt so deeply by other Christians. Let's each examine ourselves and be sure we aren't being so critical of one another that we fail to see the hurting, dying world before us.

Sorry--no cute pictures of my grandbabies tonight. I had to unload my heart here. Tomorrow I go to my doctor in Cincinnati, so I'm sure I'll have plenty of prayer time on the road. "Lord, help me to be an instrument for You--so that I may be acceptable to You--an Audience of One".

OPGA Convention

This past Sunday we left right after Sunday school to head up to Newark, Ohio for the Ohio Propane Gas Association's annual convention. They have had it for a couple years at The Cherry Valley Lodge, which is a really nice place. The lodge is nice and it has an indoor water park that is attached to the lodge. So, the kids all went along (except David--he had to stay home and preach on Sunday). They all enjoyed the water park--Bryce tried the small slide and checked out a lot of the other water activities. He loved the edge of the little area, where the water shoots up out of the ground. Mia was afraid of nothing at the water park and was crawling in the pool--going further than she was able to crawl in. She was a hand-full, but was lots of fun too. I took her for awhile and she loved playing in the area where the water goes through different tubes, down to different little basin things (it's hard to describe).

Here's what Baby Collin did while at the water park. It was really, really warm (no, wait, it was HOT) in there and he was very, very sleepy, I guess. He's actually had some congestion stuff for a couple weeks and today had to go to the doctor--he has fluid on his ear drum and is on antibiotics (poor baby).

I also got a very rare picture (actually the first one) of all three of my grandchildren together. It's not that they aren't all together much--it's just that I've never been able to get them to all sit down or anything to take one.

I didn't say it was a good picture of them--but it is a picture! :) I think it's beautiful really, they are so special!! I guess the stripes in the chair in the lodge sort of cause it to look pretty busy. But, I'm thankful to have a couple pictures of them all together. I even got a picture of all my kids together--well, all that were there. It was a crazy evening--the Monday evening event is kind of dressy and everyone was tired from the water park. So, not everyone was happy to have to get their picture taken, but they were all there and in the picture.

I've got more cute pictures of the kids. If you see me and want to look at them, just ask. Just give me a few days to get them developed. :)

Maleigha

Krista loaded some of her pictures of Mia on my computer, and there are a couple that are SO cute that I just had to share them. She wants to walk, and could if she would just let go and try, but she's not quite walking along yet. She loves to entertain though--last night they were over for a little while and she stood in the floor and clapped her hands and then absolutely cracked up when we all clapped and said "yay". She's a dainty little princess with a very BIG voice.

One of her "faces" she does. She does this a lot when she thinks she is in trouble--make Mommy or Daddy laugh, you know, they'll forget why they were correcting you. :)

I got her this little tutu skirt for her birthday. She was so cute in it. I think she knew she looked so cute in it.
Future D.J.? She loves music--listening to it and playing it. She's my sweet, precious girl!! She's such a gift from God.

My Two Precious Boys

Jayme came over today for awhile to look at some music for youth group. The boys of course came alone and I decided it was a good opportunity to get a few pictures of Collin. For some reason, I haven't taken many pictures of him--life is just busy, I suppose. But, here are a few of him and of his big brother. I tell Bryce that now I have a "Precious big boy" ; a "precious little boy" ; and a "precious girl". God has blessed me with 3 wonderful grandchildren, that's for sure. I love each of them so much.

"Little" Collin is getting to be a very big boy....wouldn't you agree? He's so snuggly and sweet! He still eats about every 2 1/2 to 3 hours and is increasing his intake with those feedings. :) Gotta keep up with that chubby physique.Mommy is over at the side trying to get his to smile. He's smiling a little bit now--not real often, but give him another week and I just know he'll have smiles for everyone!!!

Big Brother wanted to get in on the picture taking action. Anytime you can get him to agree to pictures, you got to snap away! He's a great brother--even if he does from time to time think that Collin is deaf. :)

Bryce is getting sweet, juicy kisses from his baby brother. Is that not adorable? Bryce got a couple kisses from Collin today. He laughed and then wiped off the slobber. :) Wow, do I love these boys.

Meet Hoss....

Collin has been growing like a bad weed. It's been awhile since I snapped any pictures of him--life has been too busy. I did take one of him at the fair the other night, but I need to take some real pictures of him. Here are a few I snapped this evening while I was up there. He had gone to sleep and I was holding his big brother on my lap, who also went to sleep. Bryce had a bad evening--he and his daddy went down to the church so that Bryce could ride his Gator and he got into a wasp nest and got stung several times. That on top of no nap and a dose of Benadryl made him go to sleep a little after 8:00 p.m. this evening. That's early for him. Anyway, here are a couple pictures of Collin, whom his mommy refers to as "Hoss"....also he's known as "Colly Wolly Doodle"....with a couple songs made up especially for him. He looks like he is pretending to sleep in these pictures, but he really is sleeping. I think the flash bothered him a little. He's a very sweet baby boy. Have I mentioned lately how God has blessed me in so many ways?? I have a tremendous family and I do praise God for them all--every one of them!!!

Jayme said this evening that he looks like he is outgrowing the bouncy seat and the swing--but he's still so young. Isn't he beautiful??? :)

Date with the Duncans

Today Jayme and the boys and I had a chance to meet up with the Duncans to hang out for awhile in Ashland. The kids played on the play equipment at the mall for awhile, we ate lunch and we shopped a little bit (at the toy store, of course). The kids had so much fun hanging out together and speaking for myself, I had a great time catching up with them a bit. (I still miss them desperately!!) Anna Kate had a birthday on Wednesday, so I took her a little present and took Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle outfits for Bryce and Ben--they are both Michaelangelo now!

Here they are on the play equipment in the mall. It was hard to get a picture of them being still at all, so we had to make them "pose" for a few. Well, except for Anna Kate, bless her heart she's such a little lady--always ready to have her picture taken. She's a beautiful little lady--no wonder she likes to have her picture taken. And, Patty is always happy to oblige. :)

Bryce and Ben had a great time wrestling around and climbing all over the emergency equipment (in the play area). They are such boys though--chasing girls all over the place and climbing on everything. I have one picture of Ben that is priceless--but sorry, I can't really share it on here. Don't worry, Jennifer, I'll e-mail it to you. :) I love these kids so much and am so happy that God brought them into my life.

Oh, yeah, Collin was there too--here's a little picture of him. The Duncan kids both oohed and aahed over him and loved on him a little. Miss Jennifer got a chance to hold him for a little while too. Thanks for the fun day Duncan family. I love you all so and cherish the friendship we have and the time we got to spend together.

The Scioto County Fair--Woo Hoo!!

The Scioto County Fair is supposed to be one of the nicest fairs in the state. We went out last night to take in the sites and sounds of the fair. Whew! There certainly were sounds! We got in the middle of the area where the rides are and it was deafening! :)

Krista and I took Mia out to the fair and at first she didn't know what to think--there were people everywhere. But, soon, she was getting into all the animals, the kids running around and the carnies booths, with wonderful things like blow-up Dora, Dora princess, etc. Here she is after she had her supper of a peanut butter and banana sandwich and some peas--yes, she is wearing a lot of it.

We met up with Josh, Jayme and the boys later and Bryce and Mia rode a couple of rides. Bryce didn't want to wait in lines very long, and it was really crowded, so they rode some boats and then they rode the carousel with their mommies. Mia loved riding the horse on there and Bryce really got into waving at Nana and Mamaw when they would go around and around. Here they are riding the boats together. I thought they were having fun, but not sure this picture portrays that, huh?

Baby Collin even got to go to the fair--here's a picture of the part he enjoyed the most. Keep in mind, he's 4 weeks old and a big boy.

Gotta keep those arms and legs chubby. :)

A Visit to the zoo

Bryce and I had the opportunity to have a "Nana and Bryce" day today. We met my cousin and her grandson, Zachary at the Columbus Zoo for a day of fun! Zachary is adorable and quite a little gentleman. He told me that ever since he was a baby he missed me. (Which meant that he had never met me before and was happy to meet me, I think!). He turned 4 years old in May so he and Bryce are pretty close to the same age.

Bryce wanted to see "lions and tigers and bears, oh my". He wanted to see Mamaw's favorite animal (a giraffe) and Uncle Josh's favorite animal (a gorilla). We saw the lions, tigers and bears and some gorillas, however, there were no giraffe's to be found....except in the gift shop--the stuffed variety. The boys were in and out of the strollers to check out different animals. It was a great day, however the weather was kind of hot (I know, it IS August!!) and the animals were pretty lazy.

Bryce and I both liked the flamingos--he was amazed that they could just stand there on one leg. He asked why they had band aids on their legs (the tags they put on the to identify them). There was a baby flamingo that had been very sick and was now doing well.

I asked Zachary to sit down on a sculpture thing with Bryce so I could take a picture of them together. Not sure what he is doing, but we sure got a laugh out of the two of them--especially the look on Bryce's face. Thanks to Susie and Zachary for a fun day at the zoo. I loved spending the time with my favorite big boy too--he's a great little guy. Bryce was especially excited to go to the zoo after VBS last week. They learned a song that said "my cousins are not monkeys, they never lived in a zoo".....well, you can be the judge of that!!! Some of the monkeys sure did look familiar. :)

Happy Birthday, Josh

My youngest son, my baby boy turned 23 years old today. It seems like he should be about 10 or 11, not 23. He's turned into such a great young man--we are so proud of him. He's just recently started working for Arrick's Propane as Business Development Manager, making the "family business" extend to more of the family. I'm more proud of the fact that he is a young man who is seeking God for direction in his life. He's learned a lot of lessons in the last year or so, but the one that has been the most important is that God is real and the most important part of his life. Like I said, we are very proud of him.

We had a little family get together tonight for his birthday. He had talked about having Chicago style pizza while in Chicago, so Krista found a recipe for it and I made a couple of those for his birthday dinner. We had peanut butter Rice Krispie treats with fudgy icing and homemade ice cream for dessert. The kids had a great time getting together and Bryce was so nice to Mia this evening, I was really proud of him too.

I won the bid recently on e-bay for some vintage Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Now, Josh collected these back in the late 80's early 90's. Bryce has discovered Uncle Josh's treasures and loves the Turtles. So, the collection came today of all times. Jayme suggested that I wrap them up for Josh, just to see Bryce's face when he saw them. He was so excited--made that $4.95 purchase SO worth it. Here's Uncle Josh showing Bryce that they now have April! There were a lot of the figures in that collection that we couldn't find of Josh's, so they were both pretty excited.

Mia went swimming for a little while with Mommy and Daddy, then came in and got her p.j.'s on. Here she is having a snack before going home. She had a lot of fun at Uncle Josh's party too and Bryce even shared some of the new Turtles with her--mostly the ones that he already had, but it's a start. :)
Baby Collin got sleepy and sacked out on the couch for quite awhile. His little outfit says "If you think I'm handsome, you should see my Uncle"....it was in honor of Uncle Josh's birthday. He's a sweet baby, that's for sure.



So, anyway, Happy Birthday Josh. We all love you LOTS.