Last Day of 2007

Brighten Someone's Life Today!!!

Today we will be saying "farewell" to 2007!!!! That means today is the last opportunity---in 2007---- we will have to do a good deed for someone, to ask forgiveness for some unkind word or deed, to not only tell someone we love them but to show we love them, to tell someone we appreciate them and that they have been a blessing to us and most of all to thank God for the blessings of the past year.

We have experienced happy times as well as some difficult times during 2007 but God has been faithful and has walked with us through the valleys. Perhaps we will never forget the ice storm that affected so many in so many ways. We were fortunate even though we had no heat nor power for most of a week, we had a dear Son and Daughter-in-law who opened their doors to us and we were so blessed to not have to go to a shelter during that time.

One of the outstanding memories of the year will forever be the wonderful "60th Wedding Anniversary Celebration" our family blessed us with in January. Relatives and friends traveled from many states to be with us and we love and appreciate each one. It was a great occasion and has been a great 60 years, I might add.

Another high light of the year was in June when Keith and Jessica invited us to their beautiful, outdoor wedding. It was just short of a "family reunion" as many family members traveled long distances once again for the special occasion. You will remember a few posts back, Keith and Jessica announced that they are expecting an addition to their family come next August.

2007 has been a very good year in many ways. We are left to wonder what 2008 will bring but we leave it in God's hands and find comfort in knowing He will supply and protect. I wish God's wonderful blessings and a very peaceful, prosperous and healthy NEW YEAR for each of you.

Ring out the old, ring in the new, ring out the false, ring in the true. Ring out the sorrow, pain and care, ring in happiness EVERYWHERE!!!!

I LOVE YOU,

Dortha

Christmas Day Plus 2

Live in Peace!!!

As you have no doubt noticed, I have not yet settled into a routine and probably will not for another several days/weeks. Some of our company left today, others will arrive on Saturday, more on Sunday and yet more next week end. I need to do some grocery shopping tomorrow.

I thought I would pass along some helpful advice.

How to Clean the House:

1. Open a new file in your PC.

2. Name it "Housework."

3. Send it to the RECYCLE BIN.

4. Empty the RECYCLE BIN.

5. Your PC will ask you, "Are you sure you want to delete

Housework permantly?"

6. Calmly answer, "Yes," and press the mouse button firmly.

You should be feeling better by now!!!

More helpful hints later.

Dortha

Christmas Day Plus One!!!

Three of My Favorite People!!!!

Courtney, Jaron and Jan

We are so blessed to be able to spend the Holidays with many of our family. Christmas Day was very special as 10 people arrived to have Christmas dinner with us. It would have been great to have had more relatives here but we understand each have families and obligations of their own and we know we will be seeing more when they come for a visit in January. We also are expecting Kim and her family for a visit later this week. Friends from OK arrived last evening and have spent today with us.

We hope each of you who read this have had a great Christmas. As each year passes, we realize all the more how much more important family is and just being together, than any material gifts we might receive. I must admit, however, we did receive some very nice and much appreciated gifts. There will never be a family as special as OURS!!!!

We love each of you so much,

Dortha

The Day Before Christmas!!

A beautiful Winter Scene

'Twas the day before Christmas!!!!! A beautiful day it is and we do not have snow. We have sunshine and are promised more for tomorrow with 50º temp. That is OK, travel will be much safer for those who will be traveling.

We are having at least "3 days of Christmas"!! It has been good to have an early Christmas with Darla and family who were here for 2 days. Ron and Vicky, Jan and her family joined us for a Sunday Dinner. Tomorrow we will have local people plus some friends from OK.

Each year as the Holidays approach, I find myself wondering what foods I can prepare that would be different and yet festive. There are thousands of recipes available for our viewing and many, no doubt, would measure up to our needs and desires. However, more often than not, I go, once again, to my "untidy" batch of recipes that are neither alphabetized nor sorted in any manner. They are instead, a hodgepodge of cards, scraps of paper, some scribbled on notepad, some on the backs of blank checks and others on letter head paper. Some I recognize by color or shape or by the hand writing. They have followed me from state to state and kitchen to kitchen and many remain favorites. As I rummage through the jumbled collection, I am reminded of people, places and different events from the past. On some of the cards, the handwriting has faded, the edges are yellowed and bent but the recipes are important to me perhaps because of the person who gave them to me and I don't want to re-write them, I want to keep them as they are.

Almost without fail, each Holiday and/or special occasion, I rummage through that infamous drawer, knowing full well that I will go right back to that all too familiar meal which will consist of turkey with dressing and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn casserole, candied sweet potatoes, baked ham, salad, earthquake cake, pumpkin pie plus the ever-expected pecan pie and the "ragged" new (?) recipes go back into the drawer to be in safe keeping until the next special day!!!!

SOOOOOO, if the menu sounds interesting to YOU, you are invited to eat with us at 1:00 Christmas Day!!!

Merry Christmas and God's blessings to one and all,

Dortha

More Memories

Waiting For Santa!!!!

I do not know who this little girl is but she seems content while watching for Santa. I hope she gets everything she ask for for Christmas!!

Well, can you believe I finished my shopping 3 whole days before Christmas? It feels good to have everything done except for wraping. I will get that done too!!! I am thankful I can be with family this year. To me that is much more important than receiving gifts. I do enjoy giving, however. If you can read this and live within driving--or flying---distance, you are invited to spend the Holidays with us. In fact, we are expecting Darla and family on Sunday. Then we will throw another party on Tues. Let me know if you can join us.

We have so much for which to be thankful this year. The same is true for years gone by as well. We have never been homeless and we have always had enough food-----not always the "fancy" food we might desire but plenty food none the less. We did not always have the greatest gifts but we still had the necessities of life. We learn from past experiences. Perhaps because of the lack of some of our desires, we are now more appreciative of what we have. We do not become the persons we are as a result of our triumphs and/or our trials but by the way we accept the things we have or do not have.

During most of my 78 Christmases, I have felt joy and happiness. My dear Mother had the ability of making any occasion special even though times were hard and we had no money for gifts. It was during those times, I learned how important family and friends were and how they had a very great part in helping me become the person I am today.

In the midst of the happy times, two Chrismases stand out in my mind as being very sad. Merrel and I were married in January, 1947. We moved more than 2,000 miles from every thing and every one that was familiar and important to me. In December of that year, Merrel's youngest brother was critically injured in a car crash that took the lives of 3 of his friends. Merrel and his two other brothers left immediately and drove the 2,000 miles non stop to be with the brother who was not expected to live. We three sisters-in-law were left to spend the Christmas Season without our husbands. I am happy to add that the injured brother did live even though the Doctors gave up on him several times during the next several months.

The second mentioned sad Christmas was in 1969 when my dear Mother passed away. We burried her on Saturday before Christmas and it was difficult to feel joy that year. She had been ill for several months so I felt comfort that she did not have to suffer any longer but I miss her still, even after 38 years. I have so many memories of our years together and the many things she taught me that live on in my daily life today. She made so many sacrifices for me and my sister and raising us after our Dad left us, was very difficult. She never complained and always had faith that we would have the things we needed. I think of the years when my Dad would bring home fruit for Christmas. When there were only 3 apples left, she set them on a shelf. I thought they were for the 3 of us but when she gave one to me and one to my sister and the third one stayed on the shelf, I couldn't understand why she didn't like apples too. Well, a day or two later, she took that one last apple down, cut it in half and gave each of us a half. At that point we realized she did like apples but she liked little girls more. Those are the memories I have of my Mother. I am so thankful for her and that God allowed her to be a part of my life for 41 years. I am also glad that God has allowed my children to be a part of my life all these years and that now I get to live close to many of my family. God is soooo good!!!

Merry Christmas and many blessings,

Dortha

Happy Birthday, Brett!!

Today is Brett's birthday and I want to wish him a happy birthday. We will celebrate a belated birthday with him and his family when they come next week.
I have known Brett since he was a little guy and had no idea he had his eye on my daughter for so many years. He has fond memories of Kim in her little white rabbit coat, he remembers seeing her at church wearing it. He was disappointed to hear that I still do not have that coat. Well, many years later he finally got his girl and became part of the family. We are thankful for him and how happy he makes Kim. Life in the ministry is not always easy but Brett has made it his life and is very passionate about it. We love you, Brett. We hope your day is very special!

Love and happy birthday wishes,
Vicky and Ron

Snowman's Baby Picture

Well, now you know what Frosty looked like as a baby!!! You can learn a LOT if you just stay with the Holland Blog!!

I have had a good day and I hope each of you have. I had perfect weather for shopping yesterday and again today---not too hot and not too cold---it was JUST right!! I got most of my shopping finished but need to go out one more time, probably tomorrow afternoon. I could go lots faster if all those other people would stay home. All one can do is move with the traffic and sometimes it does not move very fast.

Kim, the pictures you posted on teambartlett of your two little guys are precious. As you said, they were not very interested in the wedding. Thank you for 'fessing up that you posted the pictures of the cousins. I would have imagined you did although I thought it could have been your Mom, except at one point you said "we" and that would mean you were one of the cousins.

I heard today that Darla and family will be on Sunday for an early Christmas. That will be good. We haven't seen them for several weeks.

My love and prayers,

Dortha

Just Wondering About Something!!!

One day closer to that special day!!! I am a little nearer ready than I was at this time yesterday, however, I will go out again today to find some more gifts and will move ever so slowly because of the heavy traffic.

I am wondering------if the person who posted "Here's a Close Comparison" forgot to sign their name or were they afraid of repercussions from some of the people in the pictures?? Anyway, I think they are very cute kids. In case someone does not understand why they are lined us as they are, they are placed according to age. Some outgrew others, didn't they? Keep the memories alive, folks.

Love to all,

Dortha

Kim, I need your help

Kim, I know that it is very close to the last minute, but I would still like to get this Christmas card out to you! But I need your new address. I hope you and your family have a great Christmas in your new home. Love-Darla

Here's a closer comparison

Here's the picture you requested, Sherlyn. We aren't quite the stairsteps were before, and sweet little Courtney doesn't look too happy to be in the picture.

Ryon and Andrea - they were over at our house for Easter one year.

Keith came across these when he was putting together his wedding video.

And who can forget the froggy bikini?

Did You Miss Me?????

Remember The Reason For The Season

Six more days!!!! If you are wondering if I am ready, the answer is NO!!! BUT, I plan to spend the day getting ready---at least a little nearer ready-----for Christmas, that is.

Maybe you missed my postings and maybe you didn't. I took a little trip but am back home as of 12:00 last night. Merrel, Jan and I drove down to Hot Springs to spend some time with Terrell and Joann. They are doing well and welcomed 'company' as it is difficult for them to get away from home.

I appreciate Darla and Sherlyn's keeping the postings going. I can certainly support Darla's congratulations to Courtney for her almost perfect score during the first semester of her second year in College. She has had a very stressful year while working almost full time and still keeping her grades up along with her other honorable activities. WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, COURTNEY!!!

Sherlyn, I am sure ALL the cousins will appreciate the "cousin picture" you posted. Notice how Devin is standing his ground (though not very tall!!!) even though Keith is embarking on his territory a bit.

To be continued!!!

Dortha

Darla, I'm pretty sure this was the picture that you were HOPING would surface! And we looked high and low, but Mom finally found it just for you! Those striped jeans really DID make you the Coolest Kid in School! (Don't let anyone tell you different!) I always loved this picture because we left room for Kim since she wasn't there. The last part of the picture looks kind of like a train wreck! Like Ryon collided with Andrea, which pushed Keith, so on! It's cute! It would be great to get a picture of all the cousins NOW! I'm sure we've changed just a bit! It's so hard to get everyone in the same place with their own families and obligations.
This second picture I thought I'd share was taken in Nov. '89 just before Ryan was born and GJ didn't really want a brother! He was SO cute then and he still is today! I'm so proud of him and how he's doing in college! He did great on his finals and he's glad it's over, only to start again next semester. He's got a long way to go to be a doctor! He'll make it though. I have no doubt!
Does anyone else have a cousin picture? I think I have one that was taken in front of Mom's garage and trust me, we ALL look really cute!!!
I'll have to find it to compare!
I hope everyone is in the Christmas Spirit! It's almost upon us! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!! I'd better sleep fast!
Love you all
Sherlyn

I heard it through the Grapevine...

I heard it through the grapevine that one of my favorite sisters is done with school, and she has done it in style! Courtney makes it so easy to be proud of her. She has one of the biggest hearts, she works hard, but she still has time to think of others. This week she was on the local news for volunteering at a shelter, she finished classes with almost all A's, she started a bible study, and still had time to call her sister! Courtney, I want to be you when I grow up!!!! I love this picture of Courtney and Kris - two natural beauties.

Well I'm getting very excited about Christmas. It won't be very long until we're all together, having fun! Looking forward to it! Love to all -Darla

I Remember!!!

We are Definetly on the Count-down!!!

Only a few more days until Christmas Day----a time to rejoice, a time to be glad, a time to spend with families and friends. Also a time to give. The gifts we get and the gifts we give are not nearly as memorable as the hours we spend with our families and friends. We may not remember the gifts we received last year but we do remember the hours we spent with loved ones and how many of them traveled for hours to be with us. We look forward to the same this year. Also we will welcome more family members who have not been here for several years. Another time and opportunity for making memories that live on in our hearts.

I have now lived through 78 Christmases. Several of my first ones, I do not remember. I do remember from the time I was 6 or 7 years old and how there was never extra money for buying gifts. My Mother did a wonderful job of making the Christmas Season special and meaningful. She, my sister and I would walk up into the woods and find a cedar tree that was not too small and not too large. We chopped it down with a hatchet, drug it home and set it up in the corner of our living room. We had no store bought trimmings but cut snow flakes out of paper, popped pop corn and strung it on strings to wrap around the tree. Most of the wrapped packages contained home-made pajamas or some garments our Mother had made with her treddle sewing machine. Some years she made clothes for a hand-me-down doll someone had given her. Very few years she was able to buy something new. I do remember one year she bought a 10-cent ink pen for each of us. Those were the days when we dipped the pen in a bottle of ink.

We made lots of cookies and candy. My Dad would bring home a few apples, oranges and nuts. Christmas time was the only time during the year when we had fruits and nuts. They were very special and we made them last as long as possible. Mother was able to put together a special dinner----usually a roasted chicken she had raised and some vegetables we had canned during the Summer months. Our closest relatives lived 500 miles away so we were never able to spend the Holidays with them. We were thankful for our little family of four until a few years later, our Dad left us and then we were a family of three!!!

During my 79 years, there have been happy and joyous times as well as some very sad times. More about those years later.

Merry Christmas and blessings to you and yours,

Dortha

So Sorry, Darla, about Your Trees

We can dream, can't we???

We can imagine we are on some beautiful, sandy beach rather than here in our 29º temp with the promise of snowfall measuring as much as 10" tomorrow. I am not sure that would help us feel any warmer but it couldn't hurt!!!

Darla, the damage to your beautiful trees is much more extensive than I realized. I enlarged each picture and looked at them in detail. I think it will take more than a chain saw to clean up the damage. Even your fence is ruined and you won't be sitting around the fire-pit any time soon. I suppose the hammock is under there somewhere and you won't be using it right away either. It is sad to see what has happened but we are thankful you are safe and had a way to keep warm. I can understand there will be many hours of work ahead to get the damage cleared away. It is interesting to see how closely the limbs came to your house and yet it is untouched. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

We are so excited for Jessica and Keith and the new addition to their family. We added a new family member in '05, another in '06, and yet another in '07. Now if little Isabella waits until her expected date and "Keith Jr." makes his appearance on or around Aug. 10, we will be adding 2 new members in '08. May our "Tribe" increase!!!! Who will be next????

We are expecting Jaron today. He will have finished his semester exams and will be spending his Christmas vacation here. Hope we don't all get "house-bound" because of the snow we are promised. We have some freezing fog right now.

Love to all and please be safe,

Dortha

Our New Landscape

Well, it was nice to get to catch up today on the blog! By far the best news has to be from Keith & Jessica! I'm so happy for you guys. And I must say Aug 10th is a great date for a baby- Kristen is thrilled.

We are blessed to have warmth and light- it is amazing how complacent we get about our lives, and what we take for granted. Besides the destruction of our trees, our house is in tact and warm again. Most of the largest limbs missed our house by about a foot- thankfully. We will be cleaning for weeks. On top of that, Bill has been sick. He spent a day in the freezing rain, cutting limbs, trying to clear the road to let traffic through. There is a little part of me that hated seeing our power come back on- our family spent some good times by the fireplace! Early to bed, early to rise! I think it is a time the kids will have good memories about. Sunday we spent more than 5 hours looking for firewood. Needless to say, after all the trees down in our yard- we won't be looking for firewood next year! Two more days looking for a chainsaw. A huge thank you should go to all the stores, who stayed open- without power - so people could buy food and supplies. We have been told that FEMA is rating this as a category 5 tornado- for the level of destruction. I know that Springfield went through all this last year, we were lucky to only be out of power for 4 days! Well I hope everyone is tucked snug in their beds for the night. Good to be back - Darla

Congratulations!!!!

Congratulations Keith and Jessica!! Thanks for sharing your great news. We will be anxiously awaiting the arrival of your special little one. Little girls are awfully nice so if you have to take second choice, I don't think you will be disappointed!!! I am sure your other 3 'children' will adjust.

Love you,
Grandmother Holland

We've got exciting news!!!

We are happy to announce that we are expecting a baby!!!! We are very excited about becoming parents. Jess is now experiencing all those horror stories she has heard about first pregnancies! We both kinda want a boy first, but as long as it is healthy we will not complain! Our 3 young dogs are in for the biggest surprise. They have no idea what is coming and will miss their spoiled ways! The due date is August 10th.

We will keep you posted.

-Keith & Jessica

A Cold Thursday!!

We have a cold, gloomy, cloudy, dreary day but at least we don't have rain or snow right now. We are still so blessed compared to much of the country. Roger is in New Jersey and needs to fly out tomorrow. Today that would not be good but perhaps it will be better tomorrow. The weather is terrible in so many places right now making it difficult for many to enjoy the Christmas Season.

Speaking of Christmas, it is getting a little closer each day. So many memories flood my mind as the day approaches---some good and some sad. I am very thankful for the Season and it's meaning. We cannot forget that first Chrismas morn.

Kristen, I am thankful that you now have power and your post was interesting. Wish someone had taught Yukon to do the dishes!!!!! He does his own but I had not thought about having him doing ours too!!!

Nothing very exciting has happened around here. Yesterday I could not think of anything uplifting to write about. It was not a bad day---just hum drum, I guess, or maybe I was not in the mood to write. I have a lot of pictures I need to download. Just haven't taken the time. I will do that soon but I have another project to work on today so I need to get busy on it.

More later,

Dortha

Cold Water

This is a story about a man and his new wife.

The man wanted to take his new wife to meet his grandpa. His grandpa lived in the woods. So when they got there he had some soup ready for them. Then the grandpa noticed that they were kinda picking stuff off their plates. He said " Yeah sorry about that, it's the best Cold Water will do these days." So they ate on just kinda picking at their plates. The next morning before they left he fixed them some scrambled eggs and bacon. While they were eating the old man noticed them picking at their plates again. So he said "Yeah sorry about that, that's about as good as Cold Water will do these days."
Then when they were getting in the car to leave, the grandpa's dog hoped in the car. They tried to get the dog out but they couldn't. So finally the grandpa said "Cold Water get out of the car!"

love,
kristen


P.S. we finally have our power back!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Thank you Dortha, Jan, Kim, and Sherlyn for the birthday greetings and all the kind words. I appreciate all that was written and I feel so undeserving of the nice things that were said. Sherlyn, it has taken many years and many foot tastings [foot in mouth to those that don't understand, Keith] to try to learn to be discerning in what I say. This family has been very patient with me thru the years because I have not always been so quiet and so withholding of my opinion. I still have alot to learn, too!
My birthday was so special in so many different ways. I received cards, calls, flowers, gifts, dinner, many birthday wishes- among other things. It was really a wonderful birthday. Again, thank you for expressing your love to me, it really means alot. I love you all and I'm thankful we can share some of life together!!
Sherlyn will also appreciate this- my age is now an even number!! I don't like those odd numbers!!

Love to all,
Vicky

We Have NO Ice!!!!

We have NO ice today!!! Imagine that after having everything covered with a rather thick layer of ice yesterday morning. In fact, our temp is 49º right now and our high will be 51. We may get more freezing rain and possibly some snow tomorrow so just stick around.........!!!!!! We are thankful we were spared the worst of the storm and were much more blessed than many as we never lost power. Darla and family have had no power since early Sunday morning.

Sherlyn, that was a very nice tribute you posted for Vicky. I can relate to everything you said about her and I am thankful for her many talents and for the 'class' she adds to our family. She certainly deserves all the compliments Kim gave her as well.

Courtney had her last final for this semester yesterday. She must feel some relief as she has carried a very heavy load this semester. Not only has she had a full time job but has done well with her evening and Saturday college classes. Courtney is a real delight and a blessing to her family. I am so glad I get to share her life.

Not much to report this morning. We are one day closer to Christmas and I am NOT ready but I will be!!!! I still have 13 days!!!! The fog is very bad in our area this morning and I don't like driving in fog so I may not get out today unless the fog lifts a little later.

Love to all,

Dortha

Aunt Vicky! Much Love

Aunt Vicky-
I seem to be a little late with the birthday wishes but they are heartfelt nontheless!
All my life I have looked up to you as a classy lady who always get things done with style. I've wished to be a little more like you at times. You're not the loudest at our gatherings, but usually wait patiently, listening to all others, and when you deem it proper to interject your viewpoint to the conversation, it always has a well thought out point and a meaning that helps everyone see things in another way. I admire you- it's that simple! I hope you had a wonderful birthday, you deserve nothing less.
Thanks for being someone in my life that I could always look up to and would always be there! Sometimes just being there is the big part!
Much Love,
Sherlyn

Happy Birthday, Vicky

Roses and Chocolates for Your Birthday!!

As the day is winding down, I trust you have had a wonderful birthday and that you got to do all the things you wanted to do. I am thinking of you, I love you and appreciate you so very much. I am thankful for the fine person you are and the blessing you are to our family. You are a wonderful wife to my son and a perfect Mother and example to two great children. They have every right to "rise up and call you blessed". Now your grandchildren look up to you and know you are a very special lady.

May you have a wonderful new year and many more happy birthdays.

I am so happy and feel so blessed to be your Mother-in-law.

I love you,

Dortha

Happy Birthday, VIcky!

Vicky, I hope your day is brighter than our weather. I've known you through many birthdays and I think you just get better and better with each passing year. Ron IS lucky to have you! Sounds like he knew that right from the start. I enjoyed the weekend we had to talk about old memories and new happenings. To be sure, you are much loved by all of us. God created a special person when He formed you. I appreciate your Christian testimony and your loving ways.
Happy Birthday!

Jan

Happy Birthday, Mom! I haven't called you yet to see if you have power or not, but I hope your day has been a good one.

You've always been an extra special Mom to me and Keith. We are very lucky to have grown up in the home you helped create for us. Growing up, I don't ever remember you complaining when I'd wake you up so you could iron my clothes before school (when I could've done it myself), you always knew how to pack a lunch that I liked (I don't do so well with my own daughters), and you always hung around to the end of my never-ending high school track meets just to watch the relay event I was in that was always scheduled last.

Now, you still know how to put a smile on my face 700 miles away and you're a wonderful Gramma to the kids. They love the little care packages you send them and they love to visit you in Missouri.

We've talked about how the number doesn't matter so much anymore, but our family is wishing your birthday is truly special - - -becuase you are, too!

Love, Kim

A Frosty Monday

We Have Ice!!!!

Our world looks like a winter wonderland this morning. Trees are bending low with the weight of ice and we are promised more during the day and into tomorrow. Our streets are not too bad right now and we do still have electricity for which we are soooo thankful. Without electricity we have no heat nor water.

We have had a WONDERFUL week end. Roger arrived about 6:00 Fri. eve. We had a total of 11 around our dining room table that evening. Saturday was a day of visiting, reminising, laughing and each one trying to get-a-word-in now and then along with more eating. Sunday each family went to our respective churches then gathered here again for noon and evening meals. G.J. and Megan left after noon meal to drive to college. They only have finals this week then will have a 5 week break from school as does Jaron so we will have college 'kids' here for awhile.

Anne, we are thankful you shared Roger with us but we only wish you could have been here too.

Ryon, now I have a problem!!!! I need help in deciding who should go to the head of the class----you or Sherlyn. I had promoted her last week as she had done such a great job of posting and sharing pictures I felt she deserved the honor but your postings will be hard to top. So glad you and Jessica didn't give up and were finally able to post and share the great pictures. Not to worry, you can NOT post too many. I think everyone enjoys pictures. Sooooo keep them coming.!!!!! There were about 8 people standing around my computer Sat. night when we discovered your postings and pictures. There were many positive comments and support. We are so anxious to see you in a few weeks. We almost got the idea that Roger thinks Mavrik is a pretty special little guy!!!

We had a call from Darla yesterday and they have been without power since 3:00 yesterday morning. Hopefully it has been restored by now though many not too far from us are without power and may be until Wed. or even later if we get more ice today.

Stay safe and stay warm,

Dortha

Mavrik and Madison!!

Jessica made this on Disney's website. I am not a very fierce looking pirate.

Darla & Bill from the Start!

Well it was a little "iffy" there for awhile. I swear Darla sent secret Christmas "bug" to my computer because I tried everything I could, but couldn't get a single picture to download. So now that I can, I doubled up on them! First pic is Darla and Bill at her Senior Prom and the 2nd pic I believe was taken Nov. '89. They made a good couple then, and they still do! Darla, I think I remember a certain story that goes along with the bow on the back of the black dress at your Prom! I'm sure you'll tell us all about it when you get to it!
Ryon- It was great to see all those pictures you posted for us! Now I can show everyone how gorgeous Mavrik is! (He obviously has a great birthday!) Of course we love the pictures of you and Jessica (and everyone!) too! Can't wait to see you all in person! It's been awhile since you've been to Missouri but we're looking forward to it. I'll have to find some old pics of the cousins to post on here. We were really cute back in the day!
I hope everyone has a great week and gets in the holiday spirit!
Love
Sherlyn

Mavrik and Mom for Halloween. Ok I think I caught us up for a little while with pictures. Let me know if you want to see more because we have a ton of pictures. I hope you like all of these pictures. Take care everyone!

Marshal and Mavrik with matching mohawks!!

Making smores at the beach this last summer when Andrea and her family was out here.

My beautiful kids! This was taken in October for Suzie's Wedding. It was at the Richard Nixon Library. Was a very nice event.

The Holland Boys!! What a Motley Crue!!

This was taken at a place called Splashes in Laguna Beach, CA. This was on Thanksgiving and we had a wonderful time. I love the setting to this place. This also was the place I took Jessica to a proposed marriage (as you all know by now, she said yes and the rest is history). I love sharing pictures so hopefully you all dont get to sick of seeing pictures of us. I mostly will send ones of the little guy though so you wont have to see too much of me.

Mavrik waiting for some food, but he mostly throws it when we set it down on his tray. He may look cute but dont let that innocent look fool you, he can be very wild. He loves to throw things, thats his new thing.

From same game in November with my beautiful wife and big boy Mavrik James!!

This was at the UCLA football game we went to on November 24th.

Finally I figured this site out!

Hello everyone!

I am pleased to announce that Jessica, Mavrik and I will be coming to Missouri the 5th of January to the 13th. We are very excited to see everyone who will be around during this time. It took me a while to figure out how to log on to this site and post, but now that I have figured it out I promise to be a regular. It is raining like crazy out here right now and we are staying in for the day. Mavrik is doing great, he is starting to get a real boy personality. He is very strong willed (not sure where that comes from). Cant wait for you all to see him. It will be great to celebrate his birthday while we are there and Sherlyn's too!! Hopefully the weather wont be too cold, we are real wimps when it comes too weather (especially my better half). Well, take care and I will post again soon!

Love,

Ryon

log

On the computer I will log
to place a comment on the blog.
Oh my mind is in a fog,
Seems it really slipped a cog.

HI to everyone
God bless

Jan

A Very Cold Night

Merry Christmas to You!!

Sooooo soon it will be Christmas Day!!! It is beginning to 'feel' a lot like Christmas. We had some rain during the day and now we have ice. The road conditions are not good. One person was killed near here and lots of vehicles lost control and landed in ditches or upside down earlier today. G.J. and Megan drove down from Columbia. Very dangerous driving but they arrived safely. The funeral for G.J.'s friend is tomorrow at 2:00. I hope the weather will be better for the funeral.

Well, the comments from 3 special granddaughters goes to show we never know what will make a lasting impression where gifts are concerned. When I purchased the Jewelry chests many years ago, I had no idea Sherlyn, Darla and Kim were as impressed as they now relate. I am very glad they have enjoyed them and treasure them even now. Some times even insignificant gifts can find a place in our hearts and memories. Thank you girls, for sharing your feelings. You made my day.

I found several pictures that I will scan and post soon. I have heard a few comments that they are being enjoyed. They take us down memory lane and remind us of good times and places.

Darla, I am still waiting!!!! Must I sit up until the wee hours tonight!!! I understand you are a very busy lady and perhaps you just haven't come up with the right picture to get even with a certain sister!!!

Love you,

Dortha

A New Day!!!

We Don't Have Snow!!!

We don't have snow but these polar bears would like our temp this morning. We may get a little snow but probably not today or at least not much. That's OK since I have some errands to run. Need to go to the grocery store and stock up for my week-end company.

I have promoted Sherlyn to the head of the class!! She deserves the prize for her postings and sharing pictures and memories. Darla, I have sat up until the wee hours waiting for the rebuttal you promised 2 days ago. I will have to get some sleep tonight, so please don't keep me up tooooo late!!!

Since Annie doesn't post and apparently doesn't even read, I will pass along some info concerning her new endeavor. She wears so many hats it is difficult to keep up with her schedule. I am left wondering what she will do next. She is so multi-talented, she puts the rest of us----or I should say ME------ to shame. If you go to her website, www.eliteconciergeoc.com you will understand better than I could explain. It is very interesting. I want to ask her if she does windows!!! Since her services are for Orange County, guess my 38 windows wouldn't qualify.

Guess I better get moving. I must get Roger's room and bath ready plus some other things that need to be done.

Remember, I LOVE YOU,

Dortha

My 2nd Grade Picture!

I told you I'd get that picture on here! The other picture of me and Darla was taken in Nov, '89 and I told Ryan that he is also in that picture, he's just being very inconspicuous. Maybe that's where he learned it from!
Good Night All ...Again!
Sherlyn

Darla & Devin

Okay, now I'm just wondering how many days I'm going to get away with this delightful fun!?! I have so many pictures and so many places to put them! He he! Well here we have Darla in a button down Oxford with a stylish maroon sweater vest. I believe this is 1984, so she is spot on with the wardrobe. Here Devin Andrew is wearing something that I'm sure was cute when we put it on him, but covered in slobber 5 minutes later so it really didn't matter. Good thing we loved that sticky, gooey little guy! He gave me "My Worst Experience" story at about this age. I was laying on the floor and playing with him. I think we were doing airplane (sound effects included!) and just before it happened, Mom yells, "Sherlyn, I wouldn't do that if I were you. He just ate!" At that time Devin decided to show me what he had eaten and since he was in the air doing airplane, I got a mouthful of some wonderful concoction. That one will never leave my memory, even though I've asked it very politely to just go away. Gotta love him! He got sweeter, taller, less sticky, but I think he still drools on his pillow at night!:) Just gotta love big sisters- that's what we're here for! And Darla, I told you I had a matching outfit in the school pictures! We wouldn't have left home without them in case we wanted to do the "Wonder Twin Powers -Activate! Form of an Iceberg!" Why was it always an iceberg? My guess is that's the only show that we snuck in to see, so those were the only words we knew. Of course, you probably knew lots more and I just can't remember. Sounds about right. Well, for your viewing pleasure tomorrow, I have scanned some pictures of Darla & Bill(very spiffy!) and also Darla holding her cat. Just think, before long we are going to have a nice compilation of family photos hopefully from all parts of the family!
Kim I remember my favorite picture of you is one of you and Brandon in a wedding. You were dressed all in white and Brandon was in his little suit, you even had a little wreath of flowers in your hair and you were leaning over to kiss Brandon on the cheek. I thought you looked like an angel!
Well it looks like my second picture that I had attached has dissappeared. Never fear, if I can't find it, I'll publish it by itself. I don't want Darla to get jealous about her being the only one to have one.
Take Care Everyone
Love You
Sherlyn

Finally!!!

Roger and Anne

We are anxious to see Roger in a couple of days. He should be here about 6:00 Fri. eve. We wish Anne were coming too but we will have to wait until after Christmas to see her and more of the family.

I am amazed!!! I have heard of late 'comers', late 'goers', late 'bloomers' and now I am experiencing late 'posters'. Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time and place for all things. Apparently after 5 months and 193 posts-----and 4 or 5 comments (?), now, is the time for new---or at least more frequent----posters. I am very thankful for the renewed interest and participation. Perhaps my duty was to "keep the fires burning" until the appropriate time for others to join in. I am very glad I didn't give up though at times the thought did enter my mind and I wondered why go on?? I knew a few were reading but except for a very few, I had no idea whom. I still appreciate you Kim and what you did to set up the website. May our tribe increase!!!!!

I agree, Kim, that the pictures of days gone by are very interesting and heart warming. And yes, I will post the one you requested-----plus some that you didn't request!!!!

Also I like the suggestion you made to share memories of past Christmases and family gatherings. I realize we each remember different times and places, gifts and words. It has been said, "I will never remember all the things you have said, nor all the gifts you have given but I will forever remember how you make me feel." Showing our love and compassion is worth much more than any gift. We take so much for granted and think we will express our feelings and appreciations later and we never know when later might be too late. I like Sherlyn's reaching out to Darla and expressing her love and vise versa. We take so much for granted but suppose we begin today---- not only to tell someone we love them but to also show them. Little things can mean so much and perhaps brighten a somewhat dark day for someone.

I LOVE YOU, ONE AND ALL!!!!

Dortha

Sherlyn and Darla - you've GOT to keep the pictures coming! They are great! It's funny, I just came across a stash of old photos a couple days ago -I need to get a scanner so I can share the memories.

Grandmother, I'm requesting that you post a picture that I saw at your house just this year. It is of all the grandkids at the time (Sherlyn to Andrea) and was taken when we did portraits at your house. It was the night that a curly-headed Andrea decided she was done with pictures, changed into her pajamas, then had to come back for more, but was crying while Roger talked with her. The picture that I'd like you to post is of the grandkids, and apparently we were asked to strike a funny pose because we are all doing something silly. I remember that Brandon and Ryon are particularly funny in the picture. Would you be able to find it?

I was thinking that everyone should start posting some of their favorite memories of our family get-togethers of the past. One of my early Christmas memories is from when I was 4 or 5, and Granddad brought in a present for me that was covered in a sheet. He pulled the sheet away, revealing a little rocking crib for my baby doll. I remember getting so excited when I saw that present, I loved it. On the way home, I sat in the back of the car (the green hatchback Datsun) with that crib, thinking how great it was. Another one of my cherished presents was a beautiful, wooden jewelry box. Sherlyn, Darla, and I all got identical ones, which I thought it was cool to have the same thing as my cooler, older cousins (must have been the hats.)

What are your more memorable moments?

Kim

Wed. Morn.

Kim and her "Right-hand-Man", Cole

Kim, this is such a pretty picture of you and cute, little Cole. Your new kitchen is beautiful. Your progressive dinner sounds interesting and exciting. Thanks for sharing all the pictures on Team-Bartlett. I tried to understand what the rooster was doing in your kitchen but when I enlarged the pic, I realized it was on a towel hanging on your oven door!!!

Well, some have it and some don't. Some get comments and replys and some don't. I think I could take a leave of absence and not be missed since we have this sibbling rivalry taking over. I am enjoying it very much and say More Power to You!!! I will gladly step aside. Well----maybe, for awhile!!! The pictures sure bring back some memories. Sherlyn, there is another you need to find of Darla blowing kisses to the spectators. She can't do much harm to you while she is 3 hours away!!!!

We are due some extreem cold temps today. Remember what I told you----just face it "head-on" and you will hardly notice!!!

Love to all,

Dortha