30 Years!!

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the best day of my life. It was 30 years ago today, on a Friday night, that my husband and I got married. We were very young then and very naive--but we have had many great years to grow together. God blessed us with 3 of the greatest kids, who have proven to be great people and friends in the last few years. Growing older and celebrating 30 years of marriage is sort of bittersweet. I miss the days of the kids being around all the time, running around with them to their different activities, etc. However, having adult children is wonderful too--my kids are some of my very best friends.

Many people told us 30 years ago that we were way too young to get married--we didn't know what we were doing, etc. We were criticized many times for decisions we made, plans that we had, etc. I won't lie and say that every day of the 30 years has been great--but, I will say that over all, God has blessed me with the most wonderful husband who has taken great care of our family financially, spiritually and physically for 30 years. God has now given us the priviledge of seeing 3 granchildren being added to our family, who bring the greatest joy.

Our lives have truly been blessed by the gracious hand of God. I pray that He allows us to have 30 more years of life together here and then praise Him, we will get to spend eternity in Heaven--together and with our Heavenly Father.

So, anyway, here's to you, sweetie. I love you more today that I did 30 years ago, but not nearly as much as I will in the days to come.

Gracie Jean

***UPDATE***** As of this evening, Monday, Sept. 29, the doctors are planning to do Gracie's surgery about 6:30 a.m. tomorrow. It was scheduled for Thursday, but they say she looks good and they have an opening in the operating room. So, please pray for Gracie--tonight before you go to bed and in the morning--especially for you early risers! May our Loving, Gracious God have His hand on her once again and see her through this surgery. I can guarantee you that He will get all the glory and honor--no matter how well the surgery goes. He is the God of miracles--as Gracie well knows. He has seen her through many miracles. May tomorrow be yet another glimpse of His awesomeness! We're praying for you little princess....may God put His loving hand on you tonight and tomorrow as you have this surgery.

I have posted twice about Gracie Jean Lockyer and her medical issues. She is facing a very serious surgery this coming Thursday, October 2. Please pray that God will place His hand of protection and healing on her that day. Also that His grace will be sufficient for her parents, grandparents and all her family as they are feeling the anxiousness before the surgery. If you haven't visited her site, please do--read about her and her amazing family, then PRAY. Pray for God to work yet another miracle in the life of this beautiful little girl.

The address for her site is: www.caringbridge.org/visit/graciejeanlockyer

Thanks so much! Have a great weekend and a blessed Lord's Day tomorrow.

Bryce's birthday party

Monday was such an exciting day for Bryce--all that fun with Mommy and Daddy, then he had his party! He had a lot of family and friends there and had a great time. There were 10 kids there and the oldest one was 5....yeah, it was wild. :)

Here's the birthday boy sitting in his bean bag chair from Mamaw. He had a Lightning McQueen (Cars) party. He wore the one badge all day and wondered why people kept saying "Happy Birthday" to him. It says "I'm 4 years old today" (or something like that).


There's a certain way one must sit in a new bean bag chair, you know? Check out the crossed legs! It was so funny. He just automatically sat down in it and did that. He's a funny guy.

Here he is blowing out one of his candles. He didn't want any singing though--he said he remembered when he turned 2 and everyone sang so loud and it made him scared. Hm...he is his mother's son--remembering all that from that long ago.

Anyway, the party was loads of fun...the only bad thing was that Jayme came down with that nasty virus the day after the party. Oh, how I pray that the bug is finished with our family now! We've had enough!!

So, here's to my favorite 4 year old boy. It's amazing how quickly the 4 years has gone--but I've learned to love that little guy more and more each passing year. He's a special little man. I love you Bryce.....you're Nana's precious Big boy.

GRACIE JEAN LOCKYER!!!

PLEASE GO TO MY ENTRY ON SEPTEMBER 9 ABOUT GRACIE JEAN LOCKYER AND READ THE UPDATE FROM TODAY. THEN FOLLOW THE LINK TO HER CARING BRIDGE JOURNAL AND PRAY, PRAY, PRAY FOR THIS PRECIOUS BABY.

Happy 4th Birthday Precious Boy!!

Today is Bryce's 4th birthday. It's so hard to believe that it's been 4 years since I first laid eyes on that precious little man. The whole grandparenting thing was so new to us all then--we had no idea how great it was going to be. Then, we meet Bryce and find out that God had given us the best he had to offer. What a wild ride this last 4 years has been. I have told him for quite some time that he is "Nana's Precious Boy"....well, since Collin has arrived, he's Nana's precious big boy (altough I'm pretty sure Collin is going to catch up with him soon!!). The day Bryce was born, Lois and I went down to the hospital with Tom at about 6:00 a.m.--we certainly didn't want to miss anything!! We actually had a great time hanging out, waiting for him to arrive. Of course, we had no way of knowing that it would be a good 18 hours later that he would make his appearance. The last 4 years have gone by so quickly, yet I have so enjoyed the years and the time I've been able to spend with Bryce.

Here is Bryce today after getting home from his special day out with Mommy and Daddy. They took him to Petland to get him an aquarium for his birthday. He got multi-colored rocks for his aquarium and 4 goldfish (because he turned 4). They took him to lunch at Applebee's and to Kroger to pick up balloons for his party and for cupcakes to take to his class tomorrow at school.
Here's Bryce with his aquarium--he can't wait to show it to Papaw tonight when we get there for his party. I'm sure I'll have pictures tomorow to post from his party. So, today, on September 22, 2008----HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY BRYCE!! I love you so much Buddy. Can't wait for your party tonight.

Nasty Virus Bug

My family has been plagued with some nasty stomach "bug". Mia had some kind of bug last week, that lasted almost a week. David got it the day after she did, but felt better after a day or so. Then yesterday, Jayme called me while I was having lunch out and said that Bryce had started throwing up. Then, Dawn text messaged me and said that my dad was throwing up and "running". Well, by last night about 9:00 p.m., we added Josh (my Josh) to the group of those whom the bug had bitten. Ralph had something that made him feel really dizzy and kind of bad off and on all day Friday, but we're not sure if it was the same bug or the fact that he has WAY too much on his plate and in the last week or two it has all gotten to him.

Anyway, today was supposed to be Bryce's birthday party, but instead of having a big celebration, we're all having sterilizing parties in each of our separate houses. I've Lysoled our bathroom and adjoining areas several times. Jayme says she was spraying the door knobs, etc. with Lysol--spraying until it was dripping is what I heard. :) Anyway, I'm praying that by Monday (Bryce's actual birthday and the day the party was moved to) everyone will be all better and it won't strike anywhere else.

Whew......I feel better now--getting that off my chest. haha.... :) Have a great Saturday and a blessed Lord's Day tomorrow.

Justification

Yesterday after I watched Mia in the morning, there was nothing special going on. I knew that my "guys" would be gone until about 7:00 that evening, so feeling a little sorry for myself, I decided to go run some errands that needed to be done. I was alone in the car, so I decided to listen to a sermon on podcast I had on my Ipod. It was by a wonderful preacher in Huntington, WV. He was preaching from Romans 4. Wow....what a reminder to me of what God has done for us all. Just as Abraham was justified by his faith, so we are justified by our faith in Christ. Nothing else--not faith plus wearing the right clothes, not faith plus working 20 hours a week in the church, not faith plus baptism, church membership or anything else!! It is simple faith in Christ that makes us righteous in the sight of God. I hadn't heard this preacher preach for some time and I guess it was the combination of hearing him preach and the message, but it truly did speak to me. I am righteous in the sight of God, because I have placed my complete faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on Calvary for my salvation!! Praise God for His provision of His Son, Praise Jesus for His willingness to shed His blood for a filthy sinner like me. This is the most awesome fact in the world!

I ended up rejoicing in the Lord for all He has done for me instead of feeling sorry for myself after listening. So, thanks Pastor for the message. ;) I do miss hearing those challenges as well as encouraging messages from you.

A Morning with Maleigha

Krista had to go to the doctor this morning for her wrist (which has been bothering her for more than a month!). So, little Miss Mia got to come over and visit with Nana for a while. I really enjoyed having her here. She's been really sick with a virus and I haven't gotten to see her for a few days. She looks like she's lost some weight and is a little whiny, but so sweet all the same! We played with the Noah's Ark animals for awhile, the gumball type toy that's here and she pushed around the Winnie the Pooh riding toy. We went outside for a little while and she enjoyed a couple shows on Nick Jr. and Disney. Here she is watching Little Einsteins....she didn't watch much of any of the shows, but she loved dancing to the song playing while they were on the rocket. She danced and clapped her hands--she's got really good rhythm. Maybe a drum player in the future? :)We went outside for her to push around the Winnie the Pooh toy and the stroller. She's doing really well walking now--even in the grass. I had a lot of fun with Mia. She got really tired by about 11:00 or so, so her mommy took her home to put her down for a nap about 11:30. Hopefully she'll be back soon, so we can play more!!! Glad you're feeling better Mia. Nana loves you so!!!

Find Your Wings, Buddy

For a long time, I had the ringtone on my cell phone set to Mark Harris's song, Find Your Wings for Josh--when he called that's what would play. Well, I think the time has come that he is ready to get out and find his wings. He signed a lease today on his first solo apartment. He's going to move in gradually over the next couple weeks. The apartment is in Huntington, about an hour and a half away from home. I am really very happy for him--I know he's ready to be out on his own. The other times he has left, I've always known that he would be back for extended periods of time......like Spring break, Christmas break, etc. Well, I'm trying not to be very sad, but instead be happy for him. He's going to have the opportunity to attend and get involved in a great church down there--like 3 minutes from his apartment. So, today, after we looked at the apartment, the song, Find Your Wings kept running through my head. Here are a few pictures of his apartment--it's really a great place.

This is the door leading into his apartment. I like it because this door stays locked and his apartment door locks too--not that I'm nervous about his safety or anything. :)

Josh checking out his kitchen and the gift that the management of the apartment complex left him. It's a nice kitchen--I'm sure he'll be doing a lot of cooking in there....HAHAHA!!!

His back porch--the one on the bottom level. The apartment has 2 bedrooms and a nice big living room and a nice bathroom and dining room. Hopefully we'll still get to see him every now and then. :) So, for those of you who don't now the song Find Your Wings, I'm going to post the lyrics here too. I love you Josh--we'll miss having you here all the time, but I'm happy for you, I think you're going to love your new place.

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold

The plans that heaven has for you

Will all too soon unfold

So many different prayers I'll pray

For all that you might do

But most of all I'll want to know You're walking in the truth

And If I never told you I want you to know

As I watch you grow

Chorus:I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

And that faith gives you the courage

To dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings

So let my love give you roots

And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind

That leads you through your days

And may conviction keep you strong

Guide you on your way

May there be many moments

That make your life so sweet

Oh, but more than memories

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky

I'll have tears as you take off

But I'll cheer as you fly

Love these Kids!!!

We had a chance today to go to South Point and visit with the Duncans again. I love this family and love that the kids and Bryce like to play together. Here they are outside playing some kind of combo game of Ninja Turtles, Sonic the Hedgehog and Hannah Montana, I believe. They were so cute together--Ben and Bryce are so much alike that they each couldn't understand why everyone didn't want to play exactly what they wanted to play. :) They did really well together though and we ladies got a chance to visit some. We even got an opportunity to visit some with Pastor Scott--I love the chance to get to catch up with them all!

Here's the beautiful princess Anna Kate. She's such a sweetie. She reminds me of my girls in the way she loves to dress up--she even had a bouquet of flowers there--maybe practicing being a bride? Well, her fiance was coming, you know? :)

Here are the boys, being Ninja turtles (or something!). Ben shared his swords, etc. with Bryce. Bryce loved the light sabre that Ben had and Ben (being the sweetie he is!) wanted to give it to Bryce when we left. No wonder I find this family so special, huh?

Thanks, Duncans, for lunch and the wonderful fellowship. Hope we get to do it again sometime really soon. Love you all.

Celebration

Well, the day finally arrived! Bryce didn't cry when his mommy dropped him off at school today. So, this evening, we had a celebration at their house complete with celebration brownies, prizes and an evening of fun!! Mamaw, Grandpa, Nana and Uncle Josh all went over and had a celebration with the Greenes. Bryce was so proud of himself. He called me to invite me to the celebration and requested the prize I had for him which was Hungry, Hungry Hippos game. So, we had a fun evening of playing that, eating brownies and enjoying a very happy school boy. He chose the game because his friend, Curbee was excited that he had a chance to get it and he wanted her to get to play it with him this weekend.

Here's Mommy, Daddy, Uncle Josh and Bryce playing a wild game of Hungry, Hungry Hippos. Bryce liked to switch which hippo he played each turn. We all played lots of hippos tonight!

Here's baby Collin while we were there. He had some real smiles for Nana...he's so sweet. He got a little fussy and went to sleep. Aunt Kiki, Uncle David and Mia couldn't come to the celebration because poor little Mia has some kind of "bug"....she's been throwing up all day and had to go to the doctor. :( Feel better soon Mia.

Collin is growing so fast, I'm pretty sure he's going to outgrow both Bryce and Mia soon. But, it doesn't matter--they are all such sweeties, whether they are big of small--I love them all so much. God is so good to me!!!

Gracie Jean Lockyer

******UPDATE 9-22-08 Please read Amanda's plea for prayer for Gracie from today's date. She is going to leave the update up for 48 hours--they are asking all believers to pray for God's intervention and miraculous grace for little Gracie. She puts it so much better than I can, so please go visit their Caring Bridge page and then PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!!



***Update 9-11-08--Our God is THE God of Miracles. Little Gracie actually coded on them, they removed her tubes, etc. so that her mommy could hold her. Her blood pressure dropped, pulse rate dropped down really low. Then, all of a sudden, her pressure went back up, all her numbers went up more in the range they should be. She's still critical, but is doing better. Please continue to pray for this little lady. Oh, and yeah, she has peed and peed.....lots of wet diapers--a real answer to prayer!!


**Update--9-10-08--Gracie's having LOTS of problems with her kidneys. They are giving her diuretics on top of diuretics and getting very little results. Please pray hard for her today--pray for her kidneys to start functioning as they should.

Meet Gracie Jean Lockyer. She is the granddaughter of a former pastor of ours (Pastor Jim and Denise Brown). Gracie Jean was born on March 7, 2008 and has been in the hospital since her birth. After birth they discovered that the left half of her heart had not developed properly. God has blessed this family with the life of this little princess. Her mommy and daddy (Todd and Amanda) have shown such strength and reliance on God during this whole time. (She has a big brother, Haddon, who loves her and prays for her all the time). Gracie has touched so many lives and has been a great witness for her Lord, even at this young age. Today, Gracie is not doing so well--she's got fluid built up and has been unable to pass urine, which is important to help her rid her little body of the fluid. She's had to have her ventilator kicked up again as well as some of her meds. Anyway, please pray for this little lady--her family is very special and loves her so much. They are relying fully on the grace and mercy of our God--who is SO GOOD. If you are interested in reading Gracie's story, you can find it at www.caringbridge.org/visit/graciejeanlockyer . Please join me in flooding the Throne of God in prayer for this baby and her family!!! Our God is able.

She's Off!!!

About the last week or so, Mia has started getting braver in her attempts to walk independently. She did really well when pushing a laundry basket around the house (or a toy with wheels, etc.) and has done that for quite awhile. But, just the few days, she has decided to take off--take flight! Wednesday night at church she was in the nursery with Aunt Jayme and walked part way across the room. Krista said she had been trying to walk across the rooms at home too. So, yesterday, they were over here and she just walked and walked--went from one room to another. It is adorable. I guess it's been awhile since Bryce first started walking, so I had forgotten how beautiful and special that time is. She's such a sweet baby--I love her so much. She just happens to like me a little too. ;) Here are a few pictures I took of her yesterday. She was trying to walk outside and the ground is just so rough and the grass so dry. She did pretty well though.

Of course, while we had her outside, we took a few posed pictures of her. She's not quick enough with her walking yet to get away!! :)
She looks really sober in this picture--she's not usually like that. She's a happy girl most of the time.
How BIG is Baby Mia? Baby Mia is SO BIG!! One of her favorite "tricks". She also loves to holler for Papaw...although we're not convinced she actually realizes who Papaw is. :) But, she gets excited when she does see him, so maybe she does. She's growing up and is such a sweetie.

Matthew 6:33

It seems like in the last 9 months to a year that God has been trying to teach me something. I'm either dense or just not getting it. :) But, anyway, I get a daily bible verse of the day to my e-mail inbox. It's been awhile back, but 2 days in a row, I got the same verse--Matthew 6:33. The first one came on a Sunday. While I was getting ready for church that morning (after checking my e-mail) I was watching a preacher on t.v. He referred to Matthew 6:33 in his message. Then on Monday, I check my e-mail--that's right, Matthew 6:33 again. I mentioned this coincidence (o.k., not a coincidence) to my pastor at the time. He gave me some messages pertaining to the Kingdom of God on CD. ( Matthew 6:33 says: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.) So, I listened to the CD's, still not completely getting it. I've now come to the conclusion that God wants me to see that not everyone in the kingdom of God is just like me. God's kingdom, or the dome in which God is King, always looks like Jesus dying on the cross. The kingdom of God is made up of people of every race, nationality, different denominations (yeah, it's hard to believe that Heaven is not going to be made up of Baptists only!! haha!!). God has been showing me that I am not the judge of people, I am here to love those around me--love the unloveable, the dirty, the addicts, the poor, the "religious" (legalists), etc. Do you ever wonder why the "undesirable" in the world don't seek out us Christians? They did seek out Jesus--they wanted to be with Him. He loved them where they were. Is it hard to love those whom we don't really "like"? Uh......YEAH!! I want my little world to be just like me--you know, dress like me, look like me, act like me, talk like me.......etc., however, the Kingdom of God is NOT about me. It's about glorifying God in all that I do--realizing that God loves the guy I see with the mohawk and 15 earrings--He loves him just like he loves me. Actually, I praise God that He is the one who is the King of His dome......I just know that I am SO imperfect and so judgemental at times. God, help me to live my life as a member of YOUR kingdom--loving and caring for those around me.

Oh, yeah, by the way, today, my verse delivered to my e-mail was-----Matthew 6:33. I'm listening Lord, speak more to me.

Photo Shoot

Jayme wanted me to take some pictures of Bryce this evening for his birthday party invitations. It's always a challenge to get him to be still long enough to get anything and get him to have a decent look on his face. It was fun...although kind of difficult. Here are a few of the attempts.....
Don't worry.......I did get some that were much better than these--I just thought I would share some of the funny ones. He's a cat bird. But, oh, I love that boy so!!