A few more facts about Abby

Abby has to rip every single piece of wrapping paper off of a gift before she opens it. Both grandmothers must take her picture every time she opens a present - she will tell us to take one if we don't do it voluntarily. She does different poses - sometimes we see the top of her head or a profile or a peeking pose - one never knows. I'm a woman who loves bargains and the art of the deal. My Dad taught me this at yard sales at a very young age. My Dad would be so proud of Abby. She recently went to a yard sale with her family and her Nanny (other grandmother). Chris, Desiree, and the other girls were ahead of Abby and Nanny. Abby really likes doll babies and spotted a rather large, molded-plastic doll bed. She told her Nanny she wanted it. So Nanny asked the lady how much she wanted for it. The woman replied $25. Abby immediately told the lady "that's too much." Nanny asked the woman if she would take less, but she said she had already lowered the price. Abby - a petite persistent little girl - told her Nanny she really wanted it. Nanny said she only had $15 in her pocket so go ask the lady if she would let you buy it for $15. Abby went up to the lady and said "Here's your $15 and I'm taking my bed." Nanny quickly said that's not what I told her to say. Abby came home with the doll bed for $15. Look out world, here comes Abby (said with pride by her Nonni)...

Time with the Grandbabies

Had a great time with all the grandbabies this weekend. Saturday, Scott's girls (Destiny, Jessica, & Katelyn) came up to the house and we made cookies, had snacks, and talked. It was after midnight when John walked them back down to their Dad's. Then on Sunday, it was Abby's 3rd birthday. We got to see Chris' girls (AJ, Stephanie, & Abby). The grandbabies enjoy being together so there was serious bonding going on. Abby was really into her party. She wore a birthday girl banner, a crown, and had a wand (which of course I told her was magical). We (Abby & I) waved the wand over Poppa's head (bonking the top of his head on the last pass) and said "you must kiss us." We loved it - we also waved it over the pizza to make it disappear. She thoroughly enjoyed opening her presents and even the cards. Julie & Cliff gave her a baby doll which she named Baby Julie. We had a wonderful time being princesses Sunday afternoon. Have I told you lately that I LOVE my grandbabies?

A new song

Found a new song (Untitled Hymn) early this morning that is really speaking to me. It sums up one's life and our need for Jesus. Found this video to go with the song on YouTube - hope it blesses your heart the way it has mine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGR944fq-Yg

A Great Friday Night

What a fun night we had. Pastor Mike and Ms. Deb called and invited us over for dinner - spur of the moment thing. Meaghan (their daughter-in-law) joined us. We had a great dinner of cornbread and beans with upside-down pineapple cake for dessert - some of my favorite foods. Then we crossed over into the realm of Sequence. A new game (to us), but one we had heard about from Julie (it's on her birthday list). We laughed and played, and laughed and played, and laughed and played! Since laughing is also one of my favorite things, we had a blast. Can't wait to purchase the game for our house - you should try it!

Happy Valentine's Day

Had a great day spending quality time with my hubby. He bought me candy, a dozen red roses, and earrings - what more could a girl want? John also bought my Mom a single rose - good way to earn those "brownie" points. Valentine's Day is our youngest son's (Chris) birthday. We met him, Desiree, Abby, Julie, and Cliff at the Outback for dinner. It's always great to be with family. Last night in our devotion time, John and I were so thankful for God's love, our love, love of family especially the joy of children and grandchildren, our church family, and friends. What a wonderful world...

In the presence of the Lord

We all know the scripture about where 2 or 3 are gathered, God is in their midst. Sometimes we let church become routine and forget to concentrate on worshipping our Heavenly Father. Yesterday in church, it was so obvious we were in the presence of God. From the time John Yoho gave his windshield analogy to the benediction, I FELT God's presence. John compared a dirty windshield and how it effects our view of the road with how we let things in our life distort our view. We need to clean up our lives and walk closer with God. The music Wes chose, the sermon Pastor Mike preached, the prayers that were prayed, and the worship that we all shared was a time of communion with God. IT WAS AWESOME...

A Positive Attitude

Pastor Mike continued his series on Joseph - the one with the coat of many colors. Joseph had a fairly good life going until his jealous brothers sold him into slavery. He continued to worship God and God blessed him even when he was in slavery and prison. God was preparing Joseph for his future - God's plan for Joseph's life. Joseph was a man with a positive attitude - I like that. I've tried to raise my kids with a positive attitude and teach them anything is possible if you believe - believe in God, believe in yourself, etc. I've tried to share this belief with those around me. I've been around some negative people in my lifetime and I never could understand why they wanted to focus on the negative. It's such a bummer. Through being a widow and serious illness, I tried to focus on the positive. I wasn't always successful especially when widowed at 25 with 2 small boys; but God showed me He had even more blessings for my life. I was happily married the first time, and grief stricken when widowed. I prayed continually for God to send someone into my life to love and be a father to my boys. God blessed me with a wonderful second husband, John, and then blessed us with a beautiful daughter, Julie. I can't imagine not having them in my life. I can't imagine my boys not having a father like John or having a sister. What amazing events! God's plan for our lives is so much better than any plan we come up with. We just need to stay focused on Him and seek His guidance for our lives. Pray for me as I continually seek His will for my life... and look for the positive things in life !