Dortha's Day!!!

Dortha

Well, today is 79 plus one for me. Yesterday I enjoyed a very special day and did not have enough time to count all my blessings. I received so many cards, good wishes, gifts, phone calls and much more attention than I could possibly deserve. Now I know how it feels to have lived 79 years. I am very thankful for God's grace and His blessings upon my life during these years. I am appalled at how quickly the years have passed, however. As I reflect, it seems such a short time since I was a little child walking the dusty paths to that little country school---always barefoot--- in the Summer time and then the snow covered roads during the Winters and many times walking through snow and rain with holes in the bottoms of my shoes. I was so anxious to become a teenager and the time seemed to drag during those years. In due time,however, I did become that teenager and enjoyed those years and made a lot of memories that live on today. It is interesting, in that while our teen years are so short, compared to our adult years, yet they play a very important part in whom we become. The friends we keep, the relationships we have, and the decisions we make during those years can be very crucial. I made some good ones and God continues to bless. He gave me a wonderful husband and the world's three greatest children. Today my blessings also include two lovely and dear daughters-in-law, 11 special grandchildren and 13 very special great grandchildren with one on the way. I am so thankful for each of them.

Among the many lessons I have learned during these 79 years, one very important lesson would be the art of loving and the joy of being loved in return. I am so thankful for the love God has imparted to me and for the love I receive from my family. I am so blessed. I have had a wonderful life.

Today I wish Andrea and Kelly a Happy 4th Anniversary. It is easy for me to remember their anniversary as it comes one day after my birthday. I hope you have a wonderful day, Andrea and Kelly.

Thanks to everyone who had a part in making my special day so special!!!!

I love each of you so much,

Dortha

Happy Birthday, Grandmother!

When Grandmother posted the September birthdays below, I think she missed a very important one in August - hers!

That's indicative of what a selfless person she is. She loves her family, her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren and she has shown it in so many ways through the years.

In addition to being one of the greatest cooks around, Grandmother has always been full of grace, always has a story to tell, possesses unique sewing talent, and is fast becoming a popular internet blogger!

We love you, Grandmother, and hope your birthday is a fantastic one!

Kim

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday to Dortha!
God has blessed you with a wonderful full life. May you have a great day and have time to reflect on the all the good things that have come your way!! Your family loves you and wishes you the best year ahead. We love you.

Ron and Vicky

September Birthdays

Things have been very quiet on the home front this week. Pretty much routine, I guess. One day melts into the next and we realize we are getting very close to September. I promised to post "Birthdays by the Month" since we are still waiting for the Holland Calendar that is in the making by Sherlyn
We only have 2 "special occasions" for September. They are:

Birthdays: Kelly Evory-------Sept. 4th
Andrew Bailey----Sept. 7th

Andrew will be a big 15 but I think Kelly may be in witness protection so I won't give his age-----unless you ask me, that is!!!! I hope I didn't over look anyone's special day. Please correct me if I did.

I can supply addresses for each of them if someone needs them.

I hope everyone will have a great week-end.

Dortha

Nice Weather Today

After several days of complaining about the dry, hot Summer days, it is only fair that I now give thanks for a wonderful rain over the week end and much cooler temps than we had for 3 weeks. Our yards are green once again and everything looks fresh. Our garden is still providing us with nice tomatoes, peppers, peas and okra. No more beans to can but that is OK since I have canned 166 quarts this year. They have been so good fresh and will be equally as tasty this Winter from the jars. God is so good.

No one moved "out or in" today so there is not too much to report. We continue to miss the college kids. I must get busy shelling peas for the freezer.

Today is Jaron's Day

As I stated earlier, This is Jaron's Day. We have seen him off to college once again. He is now in his second year at Rolla after having completed 2 years at OTC in Springfield. We miss this young man on Holland Hill. He has been the "home body", never strayed far from the only home he remembers until he went away last year. We always knew if we could find his computer, we could find Jaron. He has been---and is---the delight of our lives. He has much love to give and never requires much in return. We have been blessed while sharing the past 14 years of his life by living right across the street from him and his family. It has been my pleasure to prepare special meals for him and never one time during these 14 years, has he ever left after the meal without giving me a hug and saying "thanks, Grandmother". Those are precious memories for me and I appreciate the fine, young man he has become. I wish him much success and happiness in the years ahead.

I love you, Jaron
Grandmother Holland

Sorry Jaron!!!

Sorry, Jaron, your lazy, hazy days of Summer are over!!! Back to school you go. No more lounging in the hammock, no more sleeping late, no more staying up until all hours of the nights---back to the books!!! More later about how we miss you.

I love you,

Grandmother

Kristen's Birthday

Kristen celebrated her 13th birthday a few days ago. She is now a "teenager". We have watched her grow from a precious, beautiful baby to a sweet and lovely young lady.
I hope her teen years will be happy and memorable.

I love you, Kristen,
Granddmother Holland

Kristen's Birthday

I looked for this picture of Kristen when I talked about her 13th birthday---found it and then lost it!!!! Now I find it again and want everyone to see how precious she was on her FIRST birthday!!! You will have to agree with me that she was a beautiful baby and when you fast forward 12 years, you can see she is now a sweet, beautiful young lady with a great personality and a bright future. Happy late Birthday, Kristen. I love you,

Grandmother

(I hope to get my act together some day and be able to post the pictures when and where I want them-------until then, bear with me!!!)

Happy 12th Ann., Kim & Brett

Kim & Brett

Happy Anniversary, Kim and Brett (sorry I am late). These 12 years have passed so very quickly and the next 12 will pass even more quickly. God has been so good to you. He has entrusted you with 4 special children. He has given you hope when there seemed to be no hope. He has given you faith and endurance when it would have been easier to have given up. He has seen where you have been faithful and thankful for lessor things and now He has given you a good ministry and is providing you with a great new home. I am excited for you and thank God for His blessings on your family and your ministry. I trust there will be greater things to come.

I love you,

Grandmother Holland

Some Info for Viewing

Just a bit of info----assuming that someone, just anyone, some day, might decide to read the Holland Central postings----(esp for those who do not understand the postings) after you scroll as far as you can, you will notice at the very bottom the words, "Older Posts" or a vertical, single line of letters. Click on those words----or a letter--- and they will take you to another group of postings. If you wait another year or two, there will be several "Older Posts". Of course, after you read the first few, you may conclude that you are not interested in knowing what happened eons ago!! Just a hint!! I love you whether you read and post or not. Dortha

Emelia's Birthday

Emelia, 3 years old

I wish to say "Happy Birthday" to Emelia, even though my greeting is a bit late. I simply forgot to post it on the right date. (Another reason we need the Holland Calendar to remind us of these important dates!!!!) We think you are a very special little granddaughter, Emelia. We feel so blessed that we have had the privilege to see you often, even though we live many miles apart. We are always so glad when you come to visit us. I hope, when you are older, you will remember some of the visits-----especially your playing in the snow with your parents and your Papa Holland when you were 2. That was a fun time.

I love you very much,

Grandmother Holland

Looks Like a Good Idea!!!

This picture gives me an idea!!! Think it might be an excellent way to spend the rest of the day. Dortha

How I Feel Today!!!

Andrea & Alexa

Flying away to cooler regions sounds like a good plan for a day like today. Our heat wave continues. I have done absolutely nothing today and have enjoyed it so much, I may do it twice tomorrow. Merrel announced that he was not picking ANY MORE BEANS!!!! He almost got too hot working outside this morning. We are promised some showers later today and tomorrow. They would be so welcome.

Yesterday I said we have had 3 "readers". I need to change that. It had been, so far as I know, just Kim, Vicky and Dortha. Sherlyn and Devin checked in for one viewing. Since we have had no more comments, I am assuming no one else has bothered to read---or maybe the postings don't merit comments. Either way, I still think it is a good idea and hope we will have more takers some day.

Dortha

..

MY MISTAKE!!!!

Sherlyn, Devin & Jan---8-12-07

I need a proof-reader!!! Imagine my dismay when I re-read AFTER I posted to notice that I had aged Devin 2 years!!! So sorry, Devin. I don't know how to change a mistake after I post it. Kim, if you can correct my mistake, please do, and then delete this post. I don't like the way the message got real "narrow" and makes the first few words difficult to read. I should have centered the picture. Oh, well, as you all know (all 3 of you!!!) , I am still learning and I will make mistakes.

Dortha

Devin's 25rd Birthday Dinner

Well, as promised, we did have a special dinner for Devin on Sunday. Interesting that his birthday was on Sunday, since he also made his first public appearance on a Sunday---23 years ago. We had 9 people around our dining room table Sunday to share a meal and to wish Devin a happy day-----Merrel, Dortha, Jan, Sherlyn, Jaron, Courtney, G.J., Ron and Vicky. (The picture is of Sherlyn, Devin and Jan taken 8-12-07).

Not much going on this week on Holland Hill. There will be some changes starting tomorrow, however. G.J. and his friend, Megan, will be leaving to drive to Columbia, MO, to begin life as college students. They each graduated from high school with honors and will now experience a new and different way of life---one they have not known before. It is never easy to leave everything and everyone that is familiar to us. They will be facing new challenges as well as making new friends along with making their own decisions and taking care of their every need----no more asking Mom or Dad to do this or that for them. I am sure they will adjust and do quite well and we wish them much success as they prepare for their life's vocations.

We have had several days with 100 plus temps and we need rain so badly.. We wonder now why we complained about the ice and snow we had a few months ago. We are promised some relief from the heat later this week and to at least get back into the 90's. We had a very comfortable Spring and Summer until August arrived and there will be only a few more weeks until we will be enjoying the Fall Season.. That will be refreshing.

That is all for today.

Dortha

Happy for you, Kim

Kim, I was so happy to read your posting yesterday and rejoice with you about your new house. God is so good and so faithful to give us the things we need as we need them and especially when He sees that we have been thankful for what we have had in the past. You new house sounds great and will be such a blessing for your little family. You will need to post some pictures soon. You may need to put bells on the children so you can find them with all the room you will have for them to roam in.

Keep us posted. Your Grandmother

Hello from Michigan. All has been very busy lately, and will continue to be so for awhile. The best news I have to report is we are moving into a new house! It is going to fit our needs in so many ways, we are truly thankful to have come across it at the right time. It is still in the same school district, has four bedrooms and 3.5 baths, an above ground pool and a hot tub, and is on a beautiful two acre lot that is away from busy roads, but easy to get to.

The house has been up for sale for about a year, the owners had relocated to Indiana, and had drastically reduced the asking price in order to sell it. There's no explanation for why it hadn't sold yet other than the Lord was holding it for us. Even our insurance agent was astounded at what a "steal" it was.

We now need to pray that our current home will sell quickly. Our family of six has been sharing one bathroom and basically two bedrooms for a couple of years. We've always been content, knowing the Lord provides our every need, not necessarily our every want. He's been so good to us with our health, our jobs, our children, our families. However, we're thrilled to be getting a home that will give us more much needed space. We plan to use our home in anyway possible to reach out to others and provide a place for fellowship.

I'm also leaving for Chicago today for an international conference for Ronald McDonald House Charities. I'm excited to gain information for my job, but it is also a crazy time for me to be away from my family (when is it not?) Anyway, I'll be back on Saturday so I'm hoping for a smooth week for Brett and the kids. So, there's your latest update on the Bartlett family.

Kim

Devin's Picture

Now I find the picture I wanted to include in my last post. I gave up finding it too soon. Devin was Support Manager of Tire and Lube at Super Center in Nixa for the past few years. He has been a model employee, very faithful and dependable. He has been awarded for the kind and professional ways he worked with the customers. I am sure he will continue climbing the ladder of success. We may see his name in the headlines some day for all the right reasons.

Devin's Grandmother

Devin's Birthday

Twenty-three years ago now we were awaiting the birth of a new baby. In those days, we did not know if we would be getting a grandson or a granddaughter. We would welcome either. On August 12, 1984, we got to see that new baby, examine him and hold him. Yes, he was a little (?) boy---almost a 10 pound little boy, perfect in every way. He was a very welcome addition to his family. He had 2 older sisters who were willing to give him plenty attention and spoiling.

Watching him grow has been very interesting to say the least. God gave him a brilliant mind but he choose to use only a portion of it during those early years. He could have been a straight "A" student but decided doing his home work just wasn't worth the effort at times. Eventually more brain cells did become active and he has developed into a fine young man with much potential. He bas been employed at Super Center since he turned 16. Recently he has been promoted to being Assistant Manager of a Super Center store in South Arkansas. He will be moving there in a few weeks.

We shall miss Devin on Holland Hill. He and his brother, Jaron, have been my computer supporters. I have told them if they ever leave, I will have to go with them. Neither have said, "GREAT!!!". I am afraid I am going to be on my own soon but I am very thankful for the many times and ways they have walked me through problems I have sometimes created and for the things they have taught me.

Sunday will be Devin's 23rd birthday. I will be fixing a special dinner for him. I want to post a picture of him (if I can find it) that is very typical of his days as Support Manager of Tire and Lube at Super Center in Nixa. He has made us proud in many ways. (Can't find the picture. Will post it later.)

In case you haven't figured it out, I am his Grandmother and love him very much,

Dortha

New Idea!!!!

After posting last evening, I had a new idea!!! A few years ago, Sherlyn had a "brilliant idea" for putting together and printing a Holland Calendar with birthdates, anniversaries and other info. Her project is still in the making and we all hope it comes to fruition eventually. In the meantime, I thought I could at least post birthdays by the month. That might just get people to reading our blog once a month which would be more often than it is apparently being read now. What do you think, Kim? Seems you and I------OH, yes, and Vicky---she does read!!!!!-----are the main contributors so we can form our own format I suppose. I know I would like to be reminded each month of the special dates that month as it so easy to forget someone. Now I will get on with my day---even though we are promised temps near 100º. Glad I can stay inside today. (The picture is Mavrik--almot 7 months old. One cute kid!!!!) Dortha

Happy Anniversarys & Birthdays

August holds dates for several special occasions for the Holland Family. We will be wishing Andrea and Kelly Happy Forth Anniversary in a few days. So well we remember traveling to IN to attend their wedding. We are remembering Kim and Brett's August wedding also. It doesn't seem possible that they are celebrating their 11th anniversary this month. The years have certainly flown by. Kristen will be turning 13 in a few days, then in two days, Devin will be 23. Later this month, Dortha will be turning---------?--------, Okey, she will be turning 79!!! Where oh where have the years gone? (Sorry if I forgot someone's special day, also sorry, Kim, that I do not have a picture of your wedding on my computer and my scanner isn't working.) Dortha

Devin's Day!!!

Today's posting will feature Devin. Yesterday was his last day of employment at Super Center in Nixa. He was honored with a special cake and some parting gifts from his co-workers. He has worked there since he was 16 years old. He began as a cart pusher, working in the heat as well as the cold. After a time, he was promoted to an inside job. A few years later, he became Support Manager of the Tire and Lube department. Faithful and dependable he has been in all areas. He has now been offered the position of Assistant Manager of a Super Center Store in a small town in South Arkansas. He will be in training for the next 3 weeks at a Super Center in North Springfield. He then will move himself to a "strange land" known as Crossett, AR. It is about as far South as you can go and still be in AR......an 8 hour drive from Nixa.

We shall miss him but we wish for him much success. We feel it is quite an honor with a bright future for a young man of 23. He has proven himself and we are very proud of him even though there were many times during his growing up years, we considered throwing him out with the bath water. We are glad now that we endured and so did he. Our hearts have been blessed watching him grow and develop into the person he is today.