TGIF

A good morning to everyone. I am sure many of you will be glad it is Friday----thus: TGIF. The weeks all seem to pass much too quickly for me and I am never able to accomplish all the things I would like to. I try to enjoy each day and make the most of it, however.

Yesterday was a good day. We made out trip to AR and completed the job we were doing for a friend. It is a good feeling to have it finished and out of my house. Now I can spend my time getting ready for Holiday company. In fact, one week from today, we are expecting Roger for a week end visit. That will be good. Also tomorrow, Devin will be driving up for the week end and I understand he thinks he will get some "home cooking"!!!. Well, I will see to it that he does!!! He kinda' likes fried chicken so I better make a trip to the grocery store today. It will be good to see that young man. It has been several weeks since he came home. I think he gets a little lonely 'way down there by himself but his new position as Assistant Manager is going well.

My love and prayers to all,

Dortha

Thursday Morn

Nice post, Sherlyn. A great tribute to a wonderful young lady. I can say "ditto" to your comments and I, too, am so thankful for Courtney.


You won't hear much from me today as I am off to Decatur, AR. You will just have to manage without me!!!!! I wish everyone a great day.

Dortha

My beautiful Sis!

So maybe I'm a little biased, but I think my youngest sister is one of the most beautiful young ladies I know. I have another sister that I've always admired and also think she is beautiful. I miss you Darla (and Family)! I just wanted everyone to see what a pretty young woman Courtney has become and I'm so happy that she gets to go to France! I told her she could pack me in her suitcase, but she said I weighed too much! :) I think this is a once in a lifetime experience for Court and I can tell she is getting more excited by the day! Pretty soon she will be on her way and I'm sure she'll take lots of pictures for us State bound people. I think you're an amazing woman Courtney and I love you!
Sherlyn

November's Last Wednesday

Only 3 more days and November will be history. Seems such a short time since October and so very soon we will be entering a new year---- 2008!! We wonder what the year will hold with the coming Election and who knows what else we may face. We can only trust God's will be done.

Kim, I am glad you had a good birthday and the numbers really don't matter. It all depends on how you look at life and enjoy and make the most of each day as it comes. I think it was great that the children could spend the day with you-----special for you and for them. Your church dinner looked interesting as well. Lots of people and smiling faces. Do I assume YOU will be going on the missions trip? That is the same month Courtney will be going to France. She is very excited about her trip and she has had a lot of support. Her family is happy for her.

I am glad to report that the disposal did get installed yesterday and I was able to clean up the kitchen. That was a good feeling. There was one tired "plumber" as working under the kitchen sink is very difficult but he will be so glad he doesn't have to listen to my complaining any more. Sherlyn, I appreciate your comment and offer to help with the disposing of the food!!!! It is good to have "help".

I wish a great day for each of you.

Dortha

Thank you.

Thanks for all your kind words. I did have a great birthday - I just seem to not concentrate on the number so much anymore!

I'm back at the office today after having been off since Thursday. It was a good time to relax and get caught up on some things at the house. Thanksgiving was very yummy - I made deviled eggs, spinach casserole, scalloped corn, and a peanut butter cake, which we took over to Brett's parent's house. I stuffed myself silly . . .and still ate one thing at a time without the foods touching each other on the plate.

Yesterday, we let the girls skip school so we could all hang together for my birthday. We don't let them do that very often and since they had great report cards, we let them skip for the occasion. We slept in a little, took them all to see the Bee Movie, went shopping for clothes (yay!), then went out to dinner. It was a great day, though the drizzling, cold rain/sleet wasn't my choice for the weather.

Grandmother, it's always fun to see what old pictures you can dig up and post here! I'm sure you have tons of great ones of everybody throughout the years. Glad you'll had a happy Thanksgiving!

A Beautiful Tuesday

Soooo Cute!!!!

We have a beautiful, COLD Tuesday morning. A very good day looms ahead of us and I trust we will use it wisely. I have some very important plans that involve my dear husband. For several months I have tried to deal with a disposal problem in my kitchen. I have mopped water (water from the dishwasher as it drained, no less)----sometimes it has run clear across my kitchen floor. I felt we should buy a new disposal. My husband was so sure the one we had, which was now 13 years old, only needed a new gasket or some such thing. Finally, I was not willing to deal with mopping the dirty water any more and told him so!!!!! He then moved his body from his comfort zone downstairs to the problem upstairs and diagnoised the situation, after which he decided we should invest in a new one.!!!! JOY, JOY!!!!! He purchased a new one and spent the rest of the day trying to remove the old one and install the new one. He realized----late in the day----that he needed some pipe he did not have so guess what!!!! My cabinet is stacked with the day's dirty dishes, my sink has an open hole where the disposal will eventually fit so I cannot even wash the dishes by hand, much less use the dishwasher. I can deal with it one more day with the promise I can use the dishwasher tonight!!!! Not a very desirable way to begin a beautiful, sunny day. I shall overcome, however!!!

Jan, Sherlyn and I did make our trip to Sam's yesterday afternoon. We had a good time and it was a perfect time to go to Sam's. There was no crowd and we accomplished some things we needed to do. It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas there!!! In fact, we are seeing many reminders that Christmas in now only 29 days away. My dear California daughter-in-law tells me that she has 99% of her Christmas shopping done. I barely have 1% of mine done. I should take lessons from Anne.

Love and good wishes to all,

Dortha

Happy Birthday to Kim!!!

Kim, I hope you are having a great birthday! I can't say it any better than Grandmother and your parents have. You are special and you are loved and missed around here. I pray that God blesses you especially today.

Love,
Jan

Happy Birthday, Kim!!

We hope today is very special for you and we wish we could be spending the day with you!! We never imagined what was ahead the day you were born. You have been a joy to have as a daughter and we are thankful for what you have become- a loving wife to Brett and a wonderful mother to Baylea, Molly, Connor, and Cole. God has blessed you in so many ways. We admire you and all the things you do. We just wish you lived a little bit closer and we could see and be with you and your family more.

We are anxious to see you and your family the day after Christmas and ready to spend some time with you. Connor has already asked his granddad for a new glider air plane with stickers. They have a trip planned to the store to pick one out. We hope this one holds up longer than the last one did.

Enjoy your day, Kim!! We love you and miss you!!

Lots of love,

Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday, Kim

Happy Birthday, KIM

Today is a very special day. A day to honor a very special lady. So well we remember on the day before Thanksgiving Day, 1975, when Ron called us to tell us he had a beautiful little baby girl. Of course, Vicky gets credit too!!!! We lived 300 miles away and didn't get to see you until you were 6 weeks old, but had to agree then that your Dad was right---you were a beautiful, very dear and very much wanted little girl. You have blessed our lives each day of your life. You have been a model in so many ways---very mild-mannered, very studious which resulted in your earning an outstanding scholarship at SMS. You were a good example to your "slightly" mischievious little brother and tolerated his teasing. I remember how you never wanted any of the food on your plate to touch. One day when your Mother set you plate down for you, you just sat and looked at it. Your Mom said, "What is wrong. Nothing is touching." You said, "But it almost is!!" At that time, your cute (?) little brother took his fork and stirred all his food together until it looked like soup!!!!

I know you are a blessing to many today as you have dedicated your life to serving God. He has given you many talents and a great family and I wish you a WONDERFUL day and a great year ahead. I appreciate the lovely, kind, generous and beautiful person you are. AND------

I love you very much,
Grandmother

I'm UP!!!!

Dortha

Yup, I'm UP!!!! Should have combed my hair, huh???Well this is Monday morning and a wet, 34 degrees. We had a little rain over night and a slight mist now. Jan, Sherlyn and I plan to make a trip to Sam's this afternoon. None of us ventured out on "Black Friday" so thought today would be a better day to shop.

I trust each of you had a great week-end. Ours was good. We watched G.J. and Megan, also Jaron all leave yesterday afternoon for college life once more. I think Jaron will be back in about 3 weeks for Christmas Holidays and then we will have him for several days. I am not sure when G.J. will be here.

OK, Sherlyn, you have NO excuse for not posting often. Thanks for the cute greeting you posted for Devin. I am sure he will like the image his costume protrays----for all the world to see!!!!

More news later.

Love and prayers,

Dortha

Missing Devin

Yep! That's my brother and his beautiful girlfriend Carley! This is how he has to dress everyday now in Arkansas just to fit in. He picks out Carley's wardrobe when she visits so she won't be embarrassed too. Just kidding! This was their Halloween costumes, but I'm just waiting for him to turn into a "Hick from Arkansas". He He! We really missed you on Thanksgiving Devin! Knowing how much you love your Grandmother's cooking, we felt sorry for you, but you said you were bright eyed and bushy tailed at 3:30AM.
We actually missed a lot of people at our Thanksgiving dinner, but I hope everyone had a great day! I know I had so much to be thankful for since Ryan was out of danger. It's so hard to see your child in the hospital knowing there is nothing you can do except to pray for him. And thanks for all the prayers! They were greatly appreciated. The doctors said if I had waited 30-45 minutes later, Ryan could have been permanently brain dead or simply dead from lack of oxygen to his brain. Nothing like a little stress to get your heart rate going. It also really makes you appreciate all the times you have with family. So to everyone out there-I know I don't say it often enough- but I miss you all and Love you all!
Take Care!
Sherlyn

Mother & Son

I overlooked this pic that was taken yesterday when I put the collage together. Makes my house look as if it is about to fall down but think it is good of Mother and Son. Dortha

Thanksgiving '07

When I view this collage, it looks as if I am notorious for cutting off heads and body parts. Sorry Sherlyn and Courtney!!! Guess I try to put too many people in one collage-----anyway, you can see our Thanksgiving "crew" and some special people with happy faces!!!

A dreary, cloudy, cold day turned out to be a very good day. As you can see, our "attendance" was 'way down from what we normally have but there was a reason: some were out of town, some had other plans--- where they would get better food and service---- and some were just too far away to make a 1-day trip. We were thankful for the ones who were with us, however, and we did have a very enjoyable day.

We had much for which to be thankful and one very important reason was that Ryan had spent 3 days and 2 nights in the hospital---much of that time in ICU. He had a very serious struggle with low thyroid and other prescribed medication. As soon as the problem could be determined and he could be properly medicated, he recovered and was dismissed yesterday afternoon. His condition was very grave for a few hours and we are thankful for the skilled physicians who administered to him and knew what to do for him.

We had a nice phone conversation with Roger and got to hear Mavrik's "squeal" for the first time. Roger speaks well of him and thinks he is a fine little fellow. He is now 32" tall and weighs 27 pounds---almost a pound per inch!!! We are anxious to see him in January--probably the 3rd. Unless someone corrects me, I ask you again, please circle your calendar for that week----Jan. 3rd to the 11th. We expect Ryon, Jessica and Mavirk, Roger, Anne and Andrea's family. We also expect Roger for a few days next month--Dec.7-10.

Hope EVERONE had a great day yesterday and will have a good weekend.

Love you,
Dortha

pre Thanksgiving Day

Hi everyone.......especially those who (like me) read, enjoy, think about posting......but never quite make it. I always enjoy reading everyone's writings. Keith, I even thought about you on your birthday....sorry I'm late in saying it. Maybe I should just go ahead and say "Happy Birthday" to Kim now, so I won't be late on it!! Oh for all the good intentions I have!!!!! Just can't seem to get everything done as fast as I can think about it.

I am sooooo blessed to have such a wonderful family. You are each my favorite! I am also thankful to live on Holland Hill. I have good reasons to believe that I will be able to walk to a scrumptous Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow! Thanks to Dad for the garden contribution and to Mother for the preparation of it. Don't know what we'd do without them!

I just talked to Devin on the phone and he seemed a little sad that he won't be joining us for Thanksgiving. He said he'd have to be @ Wal-Mart at 4 a.m. on Friday!!! WOW!! I'll still be sleeping! I bet he will have a very long and stressful day with all those shoppers. They don't pay him for nothing!! Devin, you KNOW you are my favorite....Darla said so!

I thank God for His unlimited blessings.

Jan

Thanksgiving Eve--2007

Once again, I wish for everyone a very happy Thanksgiving Day. It would be such a blessing to have our entire family with us tomorrow. I realize that is not possible and I know you WILL be here in thought.

I am thankful for the memories of Thanksgiving days past. We never had a turkey until I was a teenager but we always had a chicken that had been raised on our farm and my Mother roasted in the oven of our wood-burning stove. There were candied sweet potatoes we also had grown, green bean we had canned during the Summer and pumpkin pies. My Mother would make home-baked bread which would melt in your mouth along with butter that we had churned from the cream we had saved from our milk.

I encourage everyone to establish some traditions that will live on in the minds of the children and they can pass down to their children.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL and

LOTS OF LOVE,

Dortha

The Day Before!!

Happy Thanksgiving To All

Today will be a very busy day on Holland Hill as I am sure it will be for everyone. I will be doing shopping, cooking and other necessary things while getting ready for our Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow.

My wish for each of you is that you will have a great day with family and friends. Remember to make a lot of memories!!!

Love and prayers for all,

Dortha

Yes, Darla!!!

Yes, Darla, I am glad to know you are home and that you had a safe trip and I hope a profitable one. I am sure your family did miss you but they might not want you to know!!!.


I am wondering if you and your family can join us for Thanksgiving Dinner. We would be honored to have you with us. I have no idea what our menu will be but promise to have something that will seem festive.


Thanks for posting and helping me make Devin feel guilty. I think Vicky's post this morning was so special, I told her she has NO excuse now. Kim's comment was cute too!! As you said, I am afraid several folks in this family suffer from "finger problems"----or is it a "desire" problem?


Time for me to fix my granddaughter lunch. More later,

I love you,
Grandmother

Happy Birthday Keith!!

Happy Birthday Keith!!!! I have already read your Mom's and Sister's greetings so I know where you will be celebrating your birthday. I hope you will have a wonderful trip and visit in Dallas.


I agree with your Mom's comment, that you are a wonderful son and a fine young man. Your middle name used to be "trouble" but that doesn't seem fitting any more. And actually, you were never a lot of trouble---just a wee bit strong willed, perhaps, but having a mind of your own is not a bad thing. I remember the week-ends when you and your family would come to visit us in AR. One visit when you were 3 or 4 and everyone had slept late on Sat. morning, I thought we would eat cereal then have a nice noon meal. I set out several boxes of cereal, you climbed up at the end of the bar, your dad asked you what kind you wanted. You said, "I waitin' for bikits!!". Well, guess what------we all had biscuits!!!


It is no wonder that you are addicted to Football. The same day you came home from the Hospital, your Dad made sure that you were properly introduced to the game so he held you in front of the TV as he and your uncle Roger watched the game and explained it to you!!!!


We are thankful for you, Keith and appreciate the fine person you are. We will miss you on Thanksgiving.

We love you,
Grandmother and Granddad Holland

Keith's Day!!!

Happy Birthday, Keith!!!

We are so thankful that 28 years ago, Keith was born into our family. He has been a wonderful son and added so many dimensions to our lives. I cannot imagine our family without him. And now he has added a very special new member to the family- his wonderful wife- Jessica. [she will be celebrating her b-day in exactly 5 months from today] I cannot forget to mention the 3 littles ones at home- Boomer, Bella and Sooner. They have the energy that Keith had as a youngster, and they mind about as well!! He said we deprived him of a pet in his childhood and he is making up for it now.

Keith and Jessica are heading to Dallas on Tuesday to see the Dallas Cowboys play on Thanksgiving Day. They plan on riding in some race cars on Wed and head to OU for Saturday's game. Sounds like a fun way to celebrate a birthday.

Keith has grown up to be a fine young man and we appreciate seeing and working with him nearly everyday. He is a tremendous help, especially to his dad. We enjoy being around him almost daily. But most of all- he is a great son!! We love you, Keith!

All our love,

Mom and Dad

Back from Baltimore

Just thought I would check in, and let my grandmother know that I made it back from Baltimore just fine. Although the trip left me beat, I think it was successful. But for some reason the work on my desk just got bigger. I think with all the smart people in my family they should come up with a way for the work to be done while you're gone, so that you're not behind when you return!!! And yes, Grandmother, I am up at 12:39AM, but I should be getting to bed soon. I'm just scared that if I leave things on my desk- they will multiply overnight! The kids and Bill seemed to fair well while I was gone. But I'm sure they all missed me terribly. Hope all is well with the family. And Devin I'm also very sorry your fingers were hurt. I think that has happened to all of us at one time or another. Hope you're better soon- Little Brother! Love -D

Thanksgiving Week

We Are So Thankful!!

We have so much for which to be thankful this week. I won't take time to dwell on them at this time except to encourage each of you to make a mental list and remember all good things come from God.

We had a good week end and I hope you did as well. The weather was perfect for Courtney's bon-fire with her family and church friends. Jaron came home to share the fun and G.J. and Megan we here as well. Megan drove to her home in the boot-heel yesterday but the college boys will spend the week with us. Our church services were good yesterday and last night was "Ladies Night" around the card table!!!! A good ending to a good week, for the ladies, that is!!!!!

Devin, I am sorry you broke your finger. What's that, you say???? Well, I cannot think of any other reason that could have kept you from posting for the past several weeks. Do you have a good explanation? We are sorry you will not be able to spend Thanksgiving Day with us but I realize someone has to keep the store!!! We will be missing you and thinking of you and will try to eat your share as well as our own. Hope you can come home soon.

I have a busy week ahead so I best get it started. I hope EVERYONE has a great and blessed week.

Love to all,

Dortha

Almost Thanksgiving

Over the River and Through the Woods

We are one day closer to that special day we know as Thanksgiving. For most of us, EVERY DAY is thanksgiving day because we have so much for which to be thankful but I look forward to that special day set aside when we are reminded of the many things we are so prone to take for granted. Family is one of those things we take for granted----we think they will always be here and we can tell them later that we love and appreciate them. That may or may not be true, so let us realize at this time just how special each member is and how much we cherish being together.

We have another beautiful day, a perfect day for Courtney's bon fire later this evening. Jaron is coming home today so he will get to meet her church friends and enjoy the evening with them around the fire.

I have a busy day so not much time for posting. Just need to tell all, "I love and appreciate you so much. I am so thankful for the family God has given me."

Dortha

Roses for You

Roses for You!!

Another beautiful day on Holland Hill. We cannot complain except that we need more rain.

We enjoyed our outing last evening--good food and the live performance at the Stained Glass Theatre. The story line was not quite what I expected but was interesting and the cast is quite talented even though they are not professionals. All in all it was a good evening.

Thank you, Kristen, for posting again. I am glad you are enjoying your church friends and activities. Courtney is planning to have a bon fire 'party' with her church friends at her house tomorrow night. She has been getting the yard ready and her granddad has helped get some wood and logs for her. It should be a good evening for her.

Kim, it was so good to read your blog yesterday. I check several times a day and am glad I didn't give up. Even though what you post may not seem important to you, it is very important to us. It is always good to see pictures and hear about the children. Cole is a handsome little guy and I am sure his ear will heal!!! No permanent damage and he does have to learn. That is quite a different way to "connect"!!!

I hope everyone will have a great week-end.

Love you,

Dortha

hthanx Grandmother

I glad your glad that I posted again. I can't wait for to night because, there is a thing at our church every thursday night. It's called skatechurch it's were all skaters and even people who don't skateboard come together and skateboard.Then after all the skating is done we have a little sermon, hense the name skate"CHURCH".we skate then learn about god. All my friends from church go there just to hang out. It's a ton of fun and it starts at 6:00 and I can't wait !!!!!!

~kristen~

A Beautiful Morning!!!

Oh, what a beautiful morning!!! Rather cold outside but that sun will warm us.

Congrats Kristen. I hope you got A-plus on your project. You did an outstanding job. Seems I heard your Mom helped you but I see she didn't even get "honorable mention!!!" The picture of you and your "spoiled pup" is cute. Thanks for posting. We have missed you. Hope you can come over next week for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Not much going on here this week. I can only imagine how great it was for Jan to get to sleep in this morning. She deserves a better job than she had at Wee Hope.

We are going out to eat with 2 other couples this evening and then we will go to the Stained Glass Theatre to watch a Christmas play. It is a live production and I understand a very good story.

Have a good day, all,

Dortha

My Math Project & My Puppy!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. But I do have some pics of my math project that me and my friend Catherine(one of the twins)did. We had a ton of fun doing it but all together we cut out 240 little circles it was very tedious. It turned out really good. the other picture is of my sweet lovely puppy(and very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very ROTTEN Puppy)but we look very cute in the picture especially me!!!!!!!!!(just kidding(well.........maybe not))

~Kristen Bailey~

I Don't Know!!!

I know not how my postings look when each of you view them. When I view them myself, most often they give the impression that I do not know when to change paragraphs. Everything runs together for the most part and I don't know how to change it. I tripple space between thoughts but then when I view, no spacing is there. Just want you to know that I do not intend for one paragraph to cover 6 or 8 different subjects. I hope things make sense when you read them-----IF you read them!!!! Dortha

Lest We Forget

Lest We Forget!!!

As a new day dawns, we are reminded once again of God's watch care over us during the night; also, of the protection we have as a country, thanks to our dedicated troups. We offer thanks to all.

I heard, minutes ago, of a group in a Southern state that is suffering from extreem drought, who had met on the Court House steps to have prayer for rain. A group of protesters gathered as well to remind them they cannot mix church and state. May God have mercy. How much longer will He tolerate these ungodly people? Do they not realize our lives, rain and sunshine, heat and cold are all in His hands?

I was reminded of a mistake I made last week when I announced that last week was Jan's last work week at Wee Hope. Sorry about that!!! I feel safe in announcing now however, that TODAY is her last official day there. She has no idea if she has a replacement, so we will not be surprised if she is called in--at least now and then, to help out. I am glad she will not have to leave home so early each day. She is not----and never has been---a morning person. She had her days and nights mixed up when we brought her home from the Hospital and she hasn't changed much. She would rather work all night and sleep late than the other way around. Those hours won't work on the farm where I grew up so I am somewhat the opposite. I am ready to get up around 6:00 each morning and anxious to see what the day holds.

For those of you who marked your calendars, as per my instruction last week, for our early Christmas get-to-gether on Holland Hill on Dec. 13, will need to "un-mark" and wait for further instructions. Some plans have been changed and I will inform you as I know more.

We have clouds today and much cooler temps than the 70 plus we had yesterday. Our high today will be in the low 50's.

I wish for one and all a great day.

Love you,

Dortha

I Do Have 2 Pics

Darla, I just told you I only got one picture of the fire pit. The second was just slow to show. It is beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I now have to fix lunch for my granddaughter----I mean I GET to fix lunch for my granddaughter. Her mother thinks I may be spoiling her!!! Imagine that!!!

Grandmother.

Thanks Darla

Darla, I can't wait any longer to tell you, you just made my day. I only got one picture of the fire pit and Kristen but it does look very cozy and inviting.

Your tribute to your Mom was so touching. I am so thankful for Jan and her life and the example she has been and continues to be. I know life has not been easy for her and I have often said she has not deserved any of the hardships she has endured. She was a model child--even through her teens and she certainly has continued to be that perfect daughter and mother. I know she appreciates your love and support at this time. Even though you wish you could turn back the clock and show her the respect you now realize she merrited and we know that is not possible but the wonderful part is that you do have the opportunity to do so now. The sad thing is when we wait too long to show our feelings and our love and the opportunity is no longer there for us.

I love and appreciate you, Darla.

Grandmother

National Nana Day

Well, I hope everyone had a nice, restful weekend. It's a beautiful day in my neighborhood! Yesterday Kristen turned in her Math project, but I did get a picture of it before she went to school. Kris wants to post those pics herself- so I will leave that to her. I have attached a couple of pics of our 'cookout'. I wish the pictures showed the warmth, the laughs, and how pretty the fire really was- but they just don't do it justice.

I have to take a moment to say how much I appreciate my mother. I hope she knows the wonderful woman she is. As a single mom, she kept all of us in church. But more than that- she lives what she says she believes. And that speaks more than any words. I just wish that I had been mature enough, sooner in my life - to give her the respect she deserves. I've decided that today shall be 'Nana Day'!! So here's to you Mom, thank you for your support (even when I thought I was old enough not to need it), your love (even when I didn't appreciate it), your wisdom (even when I was stubborn and didn't listen). Thank you for your patience with me, and letting come to these beliefs myself- because now they mean so much more to me- just as you do! Much Love - Darla

Almost Turkey Day

Almost Turkey Day

Turkey day is right around the corner. I look forward to the Holiday Season-----there will be family, food and memories of years gone by plus a time for making lots of new memories. Seems such a short time since our children were small and under foot and now we see, not only our children becoming adults with families of their own, but also their children now have families of their own.

Our family is now scattered in lots of directions and I realize it will not be possible to have EVERYONE together at one time but we will enjoy the ones who can be with us and our thoughts and prayers will be with those who cannot be here in person. As Jan said recently, it is such a blessing to be part of a family that enjoys being together.

We look forward to a special day next week. YOU are invited!!!

Love to all,

Dortha

Another New Week

Clouds over Nixa

Yes, we have clouds, thunder and lightening this morning. A very dark, dreary morning. The rain will be welcome but no storms, please!!!

I hope everyone had a good week end. It was a different one for us. We drove to Bentonville, AR yesterday morning to attend services at Western Hills Baptist Church. It was a good day. The church is doing well. Very few familiar faces to us but a lot of new faces and the people and pastor are doing a great job. The building looks good even though it has been 30 years since Merrel (with very little help) built the building and started getting a congregation together.

It was good to spend time with Marie, Barbara, Sharee and her family. After we left the church, we went by Tony and Melissa's and saw the twins and their "big" sister, Jaden. Jaden is now 2 years old and the twins are 10 months old. They are 3 cuties and are doing well. It was good to see everyone. Brianna (Brezzy, as they call her!!) is still CUTE with her head full of curls, lots of wiggles and endless smiles. She will be 1 year old on Friday, the 16th. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRIANNA.

Kim, I am having trouble with Sherlyn over the prize you won last week. She is trying to find a way to counter-act your winning and over-rule the decision. I tell her you won fair and square!!! You are still the WINNER!!!

I have to retrack a statement I made last week concerning my daughter and her employment at Wee Hope. She actually has 2 more days after today. Sorry I was wrong!!!

Darla, I am still waiting for the picture of the fire-pit!!!

Have a great week, everyone!!

Love you,

Dortha

A Lazy Saturday

This would be my wish for you today and I hope each of you are looking forward to a day of worship tomorrow!!! Seems such a short time since last week-end. The days and weeks are flying by so quickly. Sunday will be a little different for us this week. Merrel and I will be driving to Bentonville tomorrow morning for a special day with Western Hills Baptist Church, the church Merrel organized in 1977 and pastored for 13 years. The church has a special Homecoming Day each year and invites Merrel to speak. It has now been 17 years since we left and there are only a few members there now who were members when we were there. It is always good to go back and see the work continue and see the faithful ones who have been there all these years as well as the new faces.

Kim, your helping Baylea with her project was interesting. I am sure YOU got a good grade. I remember those days when I also helped some children with special projects. What we did was probably less elaborate than what is required of children these days. I didn't see the cat skeleton you did when your were a student but I remember hearing about it. You should have a picture of it.

I had a note from Anne and she is spending her special day with a friend while her husband attends a ball game. Imagine that!!!!--the game I mean. Seems as though I hear a ballgame in the back ground as I type!!!! Must run in the family.

Love to all and a wish for a wonderful weekend,

Dortha

Happy Birthday, Anne

Happy Birthday, Anne

Today is a special day for a very special lady. I hope you have a wonderful day, Anne. You deserve all the attention you will get so live it up and let others wait on you as you always do for them!!! I wish I could spend the day with you but I will be there in thought and prayer.

I love you,

Dortha

Remember the Vets

How blessed we are to live in America and how much we owe to our military. We realize freedom is not free but because of the many who are willing to put their lives on the line, we do enjoy freedom. If we ever wonder how privileged we are to live in the Land of the Free, think about the multitudes who migrate to America and the few who desire to leave. Mulitudes of people the world over would gladly change places with us. My heart and prayers go out to those who serve in our Armed Forces. My mind goes back to World War II when my dear husband served in the Navy for 3 years. At the same time, his two older brothers were serving in the Army. It must have been a very trying time for his parents as news and communications were very poor in those days. When the service men and women would write home, everything they wrote was censored and much information was cut out, leaving parents and families still wondering about their locations as well as their safety. Those were very difficult days and so are the present days for those who have husbands, wives, sons and daughters serving our country. We appreciate them each one.

I encourage EVERYONE to fly 'ole Glory with pride and support our troups. My God bless them one and all,

Dortha

5 words you don't want to hear

"My diorama is due tomorrow."

Baylea is taking after her mother in the procrastination department. She's known about it for a couple weeks, but yesterday morning she told me about it for the first time. It had to showcase a certain habitat. My mind instantly went to one I made as a kid. It was of the ocean and was covered in glossy underwater photos with cutouts of dolphins and fish suspended from the top of the box. Do you remember that one, Mom? I wonder if we still have it somewhere.

Anyway, we decided on a desert theme. We found some pictures of camels, put in a rock with a beanie lizard on top of it, and formed a cactus out of green play-doh. This morning the play-doh was starting to dry out a little, so I hope it holds together for her. I know what you mean, Darla, I hope "we" get a good grade on it!

Kim

Now I Know!!

I can see the dawning of a beautiful day and I wish the same for each of you along with blessings from Above!!! I like watching the world come alive-----from dark to dawn and finally from dawn to day light. I watched a large deer walk across our street just as Jan was leaving for her second to last day of work at Wee Hope. As deer season is opening this week end, it would be pretty easy for someone to bag a "big one" in our yard. I have seen as many as 9 in one group coming out of the woods behind our house.

Now I know my number 2 granddaughter was still up at 11:35 last night. (Thanks again, KIM) Thanks for your post and greeting, Darla, and I will be anxious to hear more about Kristen's project. I think you should take a picture of your family sitting around your fire pit. It sounds like such a great thing for your family to do----just the fact that everyone is together is something many families do not take the time or effort to do these days and those times can be so important. Lives and memories are made during such moments. Even though things we do and say may seem mundane at the time, they may be the very things that live on in our memories over the years. Keep it up!!!

That's all folks!!!!

Love to all,

Dortha

Have a Good Weekend

This has been a long day for me. Kris has a Math project, and boy am I tired!!! I hope I - I mean - Kris gets a good grade on her project!!!! Her class is supposed to make up a Math game, with game board, instructions, and math problems. I'll see if we can take a picture of it and post it. She has a partner and they have worked super hard on it. Andrew is busy finding more girls that are friends. Apparently, that is very different than girlfriends- so I hear!!!! Well our family plans to build a fire tomorrow night and sit out by the fire pit. Sounds like a good start to the weekend. I hope everyone enjoys theirs. -Darla

This Seems Appropriate

This Q & A seems appropriate for the season and the coming election.

I hope everyone has had a great day. We have had a good one. Our luncheon at the church was enjoyable (except we all ate tooooo much!!), the speaker gave us some food for thought and reminded us that God isn't through with us. Even though there are some things we cannot do, there are plenty we still CAN do. The weather has been perfect--sunny and very warm for Nov. 8th.

We enjoyed an evening meal with Jan, Courtney and Sherlyn. We needed a few more fried potatoes but don't think anyone went away hungry.

Thank you, Jan, for your surprise posting. I appreciate you for the person you are and feel so blessed to get to spend time with you these past 13 years. Many Mothers are not so fortunate. God was so good to save this lot for us to build on---right across the street from your house!!! Another blessing is to live close enough to Ron and Vicky to see them often. We had a nice visit with them and Keith at the shop today.

As the time draws close to Thanksgiving Day, we are inclined to think more about our blessings. For me each day is Thanksgiving Day and I could never list nor count all my blessings. God is sooooo good.

Goodnight all,

Dortha

Silent Readers

Hi to all.
I know I am among the many "Silent Readers" who do enjoy reading the blog, but never seem to have time to write. It's nice to know that we have a family that likes to know more about each other, understand our heritage more, and be encouraged by what others write. Thanks for allowing me into your world now and then.
Vicky, I enjoyed your story about why you remember Nov. 1st. I had actually forgotten how you & Ron met. I'm glad your did and I'm very glad you are a part of our family. Some come and go, but you came and stayed!
Always thanks to Mother for brightening everyone's day with her thoughts. I feel blessed to have Mother & Dad close and still a very big part of our family.
Prayers for all of you.
Jan

Thanks to our Military

I am sure we all feel gratitude to our military for the protection they provide for us and the many sacrifices they make while leaving home and family to go to a foreign land and put their own lives on the line. Some never to return. World War II remains very upper-most in my life and mind. It is the war during which my dear husband spent 3 years on a battle ship in the South Pacific. I did not know him then and never saw him in his uniform. I met him a few weeks after his discharge. Even though I was only 13 years old on December 7th, 1941, I remember so well how difficult our lives were on the home front during those years. Many things were rationed and we did not always have everything we needed. More about those days at a later time.

Today we will have a luncheon at our church and a special speaker. Veterans will be recognized and are asked to bring pictures and artifacts relating to their military lives for display.

My daughter is counting the days and the hours until she will be terminating her work at the Wee Hope Day Care. She has worked there for more than a year and is looking forward to not having to leave home each day while it is still dark. The work is very hard and she needs something less stressful and much easier physically. Her last scheduled day will be next week, however, she has agreed to fill in occasionally. She has faith that God will provide. He never fails!!!

I am not sure why I was so anxious to be able to read the posting times. It is comforting to be able to understand when a post was made but guess it doesn't really matter when there are NO postings!!!! Perhaps some day!!!! I still appreciate what Kim did to change the reading.

Better get my day underway.

Love to all,

Dortha

CONGRATS TO KIM!!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you KIM!!! Kim is the winner!!! You can claim your prize at your choosing. I will also throw in a pecan pie. How is that????? I was considering raising the bounty so since I didn't need to, you will get the extra offer anyway!!! I will like being able to know when someone posts now.

Love you,
Grandmother

Grandmother, if you go to the dashboard and click on formatting, it will show what time stamp it is using. I think it was on Pacific time or something like that. I changed it to Central time, so see if that works with your postings.

When can I get my fried chicken and earthquake cake?

Kim

Still No Response

It has now been 3 or 4 hours since I posted the question concerning the time that accompanies each post and I have had NO response. My daughter suggested that I may have to compensate with promise of an extra piece of fried chicken or your very own Earthquake Cake (of course you will be expected to share!!) If these offers do not create any interest, I cannot promise the reward will be increased but I really do need to understand how to read the time of the postings. Why can't the time just simply say 10:10 which is what my clock says RIGHT NOW!!!

Over and out---
Dortha

What Time is it??

I wish someone could explain the time of each posting to me so I could understand and believe them!!! I suppose what I see is military time but I still cannot decifer it. Yesterday I posted (one time!!!) at 3:21---my clock said so!!! The time that the blog showed was---12:57. Nothing makes sense to me. PLEASE HELP!!

Dortha

That little fellow by the fence wouldn't care what time YOU posted but I DO!!! (in case you can't recognize him, the little fellow is Mavrik!! Getting tall, isn't he?

Anne Could Do It!!!

Alexa and Anne

This post is a reply to Sherlyn's comment and since the topic is "Anne", I think she should have another picture. I think she looks beautiful here too and isn't this a precious picture of Alexa? She is becoming such a lovely young lady. This picture was taken at Alexa's Mother's wedding a few weeks ago. The one of Anne sitting on the bench was taken at that time as well. You asked how she could take such a beautiful picture of herself. I am not sure she did take it but I know she could have. I have a feeling her husband took this picture, however, Anne takes along her tripod much of the time. It even accompanied her to Australia last month. Remember the scripture that tells us to be "instant in season and out of season". Nothing like having your tripod when you need it. I did not take mine to Branson last week and guess what I had to do to get in the picture myself!!! I set my camera on the ironing board!!! Sometimes you have to improvise.

Nuf for now,

Dortha

Hollands, Fenleys and Emersons

Our Week in Branson with the Fenleys

These are some highlights of our week in Branson with the Fenleys. The first picture includes another couple who were there the first of the week. The second picture is of the Show of Lights at Branson Landing. It was beautiful and unbelievable. As you can see, we had a very relaxing and enjoyable week. Remember you can click on the picture and see it full screen.

More later,
Dortha

Five Handsome Hollands!!!

Five Handsome Men----from left: Ryon, Brandon, Scott, Roger and the little man in front is Mavrik.