Happy BIrthday, Ryon

Let me join in the celebration of wishing you a "Happy Birthday!!" I have several fond memories of you when you were growing up. You might have been the younger brother, but you weren't any smaller or less important. You always tried to keep up with the big boys!!

Ryon, the road you took to get to where you are now, isn't as important as just being where you are now, right where God has designed a place for you to be. It is true that God knew you before you were conceived and He has a unique plan just for you. I am so proud of you and I pray that you will continue to follow God in all you do. And His blessings will be more than you can imagine.

I love you Ryon,

Jan

Happy Birthday to my hansome cousin!

Ryon, I just wanted to take a moment to wish you a great day. You are an inspiration to me. I know you learned a lot of things the hard way, but you have come out the other side so beautifully. I'm so impressed with the life you have built for yourself and your family. Mavrik is a lucky little guy, to have a dad like you. And the same could be said for Jessica and Alexis. This is one of my favorite pictures from your wedding weekend. You both look so happy, but yet relaxed. And that only comes with pure love. Enjoy your day- Much Love - Darla

Happy Birthday, Ryon

Happy Birthday, Ryon!!!

Happy Birthday to a special grandson. I wish for you a great day, Ryon, and I am so thankful for the young man you have become. You are so blessed today with a loving and beautiful wife and the world's greatest little son. Also a very special and sweet daughter. I hope your day is everything you want it to be and that it will be the first day of a great year for you in every way. Count your blessings and remember I am praying for you.

I love you so much,

Grandmother

(If you were here, I would bake you a birthday cake!!)

Day of Rest!!

This is a day for rest on Holland Hill. Nothing except the essentials will get done. We deserve the rest after the two days we have spent in that kitchen. At the same time , I am throughly enjoying the final results. Can't believe the difference it has made. I just regret that it was such a difficult job when it all sounded so simple. You see, when we built this house and I planned the kitchen with a corner sink with the dishwasher next to the sink, I did not realize that when the dishwasher door is down, there is not enough room for feet!!! I have banged my leg against that door countless times during these 13 years and have complained an equal number of times. Well, the solution was to move the dishwasher over and put a stack of drawers next to the sink. Next time I will know!!!! Now I am happy!!!! And I do appreciate my helper. He was so patient with me and he had every right to say, "I told you so"!!!

Tonight we will go to mid-week prayer meeting then we will ...................., OK, we will play cards until...............!!!! We usually make it home the same day------just later in the day.

Love you,

Dortha

Day Two!!

HEADACHE OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!

Seems only fair that I would let you know I am still alive at the end of the second day of the kitchen renovation. I am not sure I deserve the 'pardon' but do appreciate my unnamed helper's attitude. He made 4 trips to the plumbing supply store before the damaged water line was repaired. We were unable to budge the 27' fridge so were forced to repair the line rather than replacing it which is what we would have perferred to do. At day's end, the dishwasher was working, the drawers were back in place and the room was livable once again. We still have some details for later but everything looks good and is such an improvement from the original arrangement.

I hope everyone has had a good day. Sherlyn is off to her classes again. Please say an extra prayer for her as she will be driving a lot of miles. She will need strength and safety and an open mind to obsorbe the lectures. She will have about 18 hours of classes.

That' all folks,

Love you,

Dortha

Thanks for the Comments

My oh my!!!! After those flattering remarks, how could I NOT post? I appreciate your kind words, Sherlyn and Jan and I appreciate the two of you so very much. You are very kind and it was very good to see your thoughts in print. See, it didn't take much of your time and it really brightened MY day.

Sherlyn, I am very proud of you and the effort you are making to prepare yourself with knowledge that will mean so much to you and open doors that will give you a great life. You mentioned the lessons are difficult and all the other students are poles ahead of you in the knowledge they already have. Some have some back- ground information that you do not have. My remark was that there was a time when they were where you are now--just beginning. You can do it-----I know you can and I admire your desire and effort.

Jan, I appreciate you and love you more than words can say. You are the epitome of a perfect daughter and mother. I couldn't ask for more.

Today has been a different day around here. I have needed and wanted to make some changes in my kitchen for some time but I needed help. Finally I got brave enough to ask a certain person--who will remain un-named at this time---if we might begin the task today. You see, I had envisioned it to be a very simple endeavor and explained how we would move "this" here and "that" over there. Sounded simple to me!!!! Welllllll, after a few hours, I had to admit that there were a few hurdles that I had not fore seen. I now have NO dishwasher I can use, all the drawers are stacked in the corner, the water line to the fridge got cut and a few other debokles (I don't know if that is a word---well, now it is!!). Two people are very tired but we won't give up. We will simply face the project head on tomorrow and hopefully things will fit together as I had hoped they would. If I escape with my life, I will let you know how it turned out. If you never hear from me again, you will know it was not a good idea!!!

That's all for tonight.

Love you,

Dortha

Bloggers Anonymous-2

Hi, My name is Jan and I'm a viewer. I have not blogged in weeks. But I just can't give it up. No news, no views, but I'll try again anyway.

I wonder how it would feel to be the ONE most of us depend on for the continuance of family news, reminders, inspirational thoughts, encouragements, family history, pictures, etc.?? I know she has big shoes and I don't know anyone who can fill them. Thanks alot, Mother, for taking up the slack for all of us. We love you!

Bloggers Anonymous

HI. My name is Sherlyn. I'm a viewer. Haven't posted in 6 weeks.
Kinda like AA but I guess it's BA -Bloggers Anonymous. :)
I'm sorry I haven't posted in quite a while. Time seems to just keep on running two steps faster than I can. I had a GREAT week going to a school to learn title work and oil and gas leasing. Very stimulating but I can tell that I haven't been in school in almost 20 years! I'm on overload!!! It's some very interesting stuff though. Probably more so to me than anyone else so I won't go in to details. I just wanted to drop a quick post so Grandmother won't feel so alone. You are never alone Grandmother. We Love You!
Well I've got to run to church. I will post again soon.
Sherlyn Parham

Sat. Night

Today is Saturday, that means tomorrow will be Sunday!!! We turn our thoughts to a day of worship and find our way to God's house. I encourage each of you to do the same. You will never regret the effort you make to serve God. You will be blessed.

Darla, I am so glad your finger got well so you could type a message for the blog. I share your sorrow in losing your beautiful trees. Our loss is not nearly as great as yours but it will be several years before ours will be pretty again. Thank you for posting the pictures even though they make us feel sad.

We still have clouds and light rain but are promised nicer days next week.

Have a wonderful week-end.

My love and prayers,

Dortha

Our Tangled Mess

Well I finally got a chance to transfer these pics from my camera! I really wanted to take a ride in that bucket, but they claimed insurance wouldn't allow it- but it certainly looked like fun! The tree that is in the second picture had to be taken down completely, it couldn't be saved. The others will hopefully spring back to life. Except of course for the Bradford Pears. We lost several of them, but I know we can grow more of those fairly quickly.
I realize you guys might be tired of hearing me whine about my trees. I guess because there is still so much work to do, and that is all the excitement we have around here! I don't' remember the last time we went out- if time and weather permits- we're outside working in the yard! As I've said before, "It's the gift that keeps on giving". And we should have enough firewood for ages!!!
The only other news I can think of: Kris had a flute competition this morning and made a 2. A 1 is the best, but a 2 is good- and that's all I can explain about the scoring. My friend in Missouri had her baby 7 weeks early. Both were in ICU for a few days. My friend has got to go home, but the baby will have to be in ICU longer, until lung function is better. So extra prayers are great. And I should have a new little niece, at least by March 4th- if not sooner! I can't wait for that!!! And last, but not least, I should have a guest tonight- my big sister should be staying over for the night. So hopefully that will supply some fun and good conversation!
Well that is all I know, except that I'm incredibly tired and still have a mountain of work in front of me. So I hope everyone is doing well, and love to all - Darla

To Post or Not to Post!!

An Unusual Flower From Thailand

I am wondering, "Should I post, or should I not!!" Today is Feb. 22 nd. There has been one "comment" and NO posting except what I have done since Feb. 13th. I don't want to bore anyone and I realize what I write is not very exciting. It would be good to hear from someone else.

I can report that our weather is much better today than yesterday. We still have clouds but our ice is melting some and most of our roads are safe. We are promised warmer temps tomorrow so we should have a great week-end. We did not lose power this time and for that we are very thankful. We have had a warm home, water and plenty food.

Life is good on Holland Hill and I wish the same for you.

Love to all,

Dortha

More Ice!!!!

I am wondering if it might help if we 'think' tropical or Spring-time!!! Anything to get our minds off this miserable weather that seems to hang around. Today the weather is living up to the forecast----freezing rain and sleet. Believe me, we have both. Nothing much is moving today and we are promised no relief until Saturday. I am glad I ventured to the grocery store yesterday and we have necessities and so far we have power and a warm house.

Not much to report today. Apparently I am just looking and hoping for sympathy. I envy those of you who are basking in the sunshine today.

That's all folks!!!

Dortha

Cute Mavrik

This is the same picture of Mavrik you see on the previous post after Anne "revised" it. You go to the head of the class with your talent, Anne. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing. Dortha

Mr. Sunshine, 13 Month Old

Mr. Mavrik, 13 months old

Are those pictures cute or what???? Thank you, Ryon and Jessica, for sharing the pictures of your little man. You have been so faithful to send them often. We can tell he has changed since we saw him in January.

We have had a good day. We have had sunshine and comfortable temperature. We are promised COLD days the rest of the week, however. I drove to Rolla this afternoon to pick up Jaron. We had good conversation during the 2 hour trip back home. It is good to see him after several weeks. It didn't take much "begging" to get him to eat dinner with us. He gets a little tired of the Dorm food. He will be home for Spring break soon and we will try to cater to him at that time.

Hope everyone has had a good day.

Love you,

Dortha

Monday Night 2-19-08

Birthday Treat for Merrel

Today was a special day for Merrel. I know it is a little past his birthday and a little past Valentine's Day but Ron, Vicky and Keith took Merrel and me out for a delicious steak dinner and special dessert as a belated birthday treat. They also gave him a card and nice gift so he can't complain about turning 83 years old. He went for his usual morning walk this morning and jogged up the last little hill. Not too bad, I say.

We also had a special day yesterday. Our church services were very good and it is always a blessing to spend time with our church friends. Devin has been visiting here this week and he and Carley helped Carley's mother prepare a wonderful noon meal for Carley's family and Devin's family. It was so very good to get acquainted with such a fine family and we felt so honored to be invited for a meal and visit. God is sooooo good!!!

Jaron hasn't been home since the Christmas Holidays so I am driving to Rolla tomorrow and bring him home for awhile. It will be good to see that young man. We miss him on Holland Hill.

All is well on the Hill and today our weather was quite nice. We had some sunshine and some clouds but no moisture. We won't need any more rain for awhile. We had a small flood Saturday night. No damage done but water, water everywhere--some places where it didn't need to be.

Good night to all and God Bless,

Dortha

Rainy Sat. Morning

Looks as if we are facing a rainy, stormy week end. So far we only have light rain. No severe storms, PLEASE!!!! At least we are snug and warm inside. We haven't lost power for 2 days now. There are a few homes in our area that are still without electricity. It is 33º right now with a promise of 40º for a high today. Tonight temp will drop to 30º and that means we will have ice tomorrow. I hope we will be able to get to church.

I wish a blessed week-end for each of you.

Love to all,

Dortha

Three Titles

No doubt the last 3 pictures need a little explaining. The collage is of Jan when she was 2 months old, 6 months old, senior in high school then while attending a Homecoming when Devin was a senior playing basket ball.

The second picture is of Jan when she was 6 months old and eating her very first piece of chocolate candy.

The third is of our "Tunnel of Trees" (Tripple M) on 2-15-08 during our ice storm.

Now you know!!!!!!
Dortha

Chocolate is Good!!

Valentine's Day Plus One

Yes, I'm aware that yesterday was the designated Valentine's Day but why should our thoughts of love be limited to only one day? I believe February is dubbed the "love month". I think every day of every month should be a love day. Remember the Coca Cola song that said in part, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love, that's the only thing that there's just too little of." Love can build a bridge, love can solve all problems we face. I have never understood the "head-over-heels love" one day and the "urge-to-kill" the next. To me, that is NOT real, deep, abiding love. Perhaps we could all improve in this area. I realize we all have "hurts" but there is a world of difference between "hurts" and "hates".

While we are on the thought of "love", we might also realize it would be a good time to "forget" and "forgive". No doubt, we have all had "hurts" and it is very easy to become bitter. We then decide what we will do about it. I could have easily carried negative and hurt feelings toward my Dad because of the pain and hardships he caused for me, my sister and our Mother. Instead, I chose to forgive him so I could have a relationship with him and I have never regretted my decision. Grudges can become very heavy to bear and can rob us of the joy and happiness we can otherwise have.

TODAY I CHOOSE TO LOVE!!!!!!!
Dortha

Jan took these pictures this morning as she was driving out of our area. Most of them are taken on the road at the bottom of our hill. No. 6 is the end of Jan's house and the lot South of her house. We have had full sunshine today and our landscape looks totally different tonight than it did this morning. Our temp reached 57º and ALL of our ice is gone. Our streets are completely dry ---BUT!!!! We have promise of freezing rain tomorrow and Saturday. We can hope the forecast is all wrong. We have had enough ice for awhile. We feared we might lose power again today when the wind blew limbs down but so far that hasn't happened. We have at least 5,000 homes in our area that are still without power. We have been soooo blessed. Hope all have had a great Valentine Day. Love you,
Dortha

More pictures of our 2008 ice storm. No's 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 are of the tree in the front of Jan's house. It has lost 8 or 10 limbs and some of the very top is gone. No. 5 is of Merrel helping Courtney get ice off her car so she could go to work yesterday. No. 7 is of our trees and our flag and No. 9 is of our trees with our house in the background. No. 8 --- Merrel is getting ice off Jan's car. These were all taken yesterday. I will put together another group that Jan took this morning. Dortha

Happy Birthday Granddad!

I hope my favorite Granddad is feeling very special today. After all the ice you guys have had, I thought you could use a pictures in sunny California! Granddad you are an amazing man. Whenever I describe you to people, I say you are the most gentle man I know. You have lived your life in a way that deserves honor and respect. And one of my favorites traits is your sense of humor. I feel proud to have a Granddad like you, and I'm sure I still have a lot to learn!
Much Love -Darla

Happy Birthday, Merrel

Happy Birthday, Merrel

Today is YOUR day, my dear. Holidays belong to everyone but today is your's and your's alone and I trust it will be a wonderful birthday for a wonderful husband. I am thankful for you for so many reasons. Birthdays are great---the more you have, the longer you live and I hope you have many, many, many more. I admire you for the life you have lived and I am so blessed to have shared 61 of those years with you. We have such a wonderful, loving and caring family and more blessings then we can count.

Happy Birthday, and..........................
I love you so much,

Dortha

Ice Storm 2008

These pictures will give you an idea of our ice storm. You can double click on the picture and see it full screen. All of these were taken in our yard. So much more damage than we had in 2007. Dortha

Happy Anniversary Roger & Anne

Happy Anniversary, Roger and Anne

Words cannot express the good wishes and blessings I trust the day brings for you. You deserve everything you desire to make your day perfect. You have gone the extra mile in so many ways to add joy and happiness to others. We remember the storms and rains on Feb. 11th, 2000, and then the beautiful sunshine that greeted us on Feb. 12th. God has surely smiled on you and knew you needed each other, therefore He brought you together in unusual turns of events. Anne, you have brought so much pride, grace and love into our family, we shall forever be thankful for you-----also thank you for loving my son and bringing hope and joy into his life.

I love you both sooooo much and wish for you many, many more anniversaries.

Your Mom

Jan, Your Poem is Great!!!

Jan, what a beautiful collage of thoughts and feelings. Thank you for sharing. We know our lives and living conditions are in God's hands and He has promised to take care of us. I know He will. We are so blessed as we have heat at the moment, we have food and water. That is enough.

Love you,
Your Mother

Looking out the window

Looking out the Window

Looking out the window early this morning, Oh, what a sight!
Studded with crystals, covered with ice, everything's white.
Laden with freezing rain, tree limbs bowed to the ground.
Ice and sleet hitting the windows with a loud pinging sound.

Icicles hanging from the roof and the cars look like fringe.
Cold crunchy footsteps crossing the grass make me cringe.
Like gunshot from every direction, I hear large trees pop
Snapping and falling on power lines are limbs from the top.

Then suddenly, no electrical hum, no TV or radio voices
Only silence so big that no one rejoices.
Sitting alone in the cold and the dark, with only the candle's flame
Brings thoughts of God's promises I surely can claim.

The cold wind blows of doubts there is no lack.
The silence screams out to bring the love back.
Looking out the window early this morning, Oh what a sight!
But it's so good to know that God will make all things right.

Jan
2-11-08

Happy Anniversary

There isn't a more beautiful couple. I know that if Grandmother had electricity- she would be saying the same thing. Roger and Anne, thank you for always putting a smile on the face of whomever you're around. You are gracious, caring people. And we are better because we know you both. I often think that both of you are so successful and accomplished. But I have never felt judged, and I think that show true depth of character. Thanks for the great examples! Much Love-Darla

Stay close, Stay warm

I hope you guys up in MO stay close to each other and close to the fire! I remember all to well how long the days and nights seem without electricity. I kept feeling like I was wasting time- just sitting around doing nothing! But the time with the family was good. I bet my mom is doing a jigsaw puzzle. The sound of all the limbs breaking doesn't allow you to get much sleep either. Well, I hope everyone stays warm and that your houses aren't damaged!!
Much Love-Darla

Monday Evening

We have had rain, sleet and freezing rain off and on all day and, yes, we did lose power. We have had no electricity for most of the day but are so thankful service was restored about an hour ago. Our house is getting warm again. Nothing much gets done when we have no electricity. We don't realize how dependent we are on it until we do not have it. We have propane heat but our furnace will not come on if we have no electricity. Neither do we have water as our pump needs electricity. As long as we have daylight, I can read but not after dark. We need a nice kerosene lamp. We never think of things like that and having a supply of batteries until it is not possible to get out and buy them.

Our poor tree limbs are bending low with ice. We have already lost some limbs and no doubt will lose more as we are promised more rain during the night. We do hope our power stays on. At least we are warm at the moment.

Love to all,

Dortha

Icy Monday

Penguins would like our weather today but we don't like it. We are in the middle of an ice storm. At the moment everything has at least 1/4" of ice with more coming. If we get as much as 1/2" to 3/4" we will, no doubt, lose power and that will be NO fun. We will then have no heat and no water. I have drawn up extra water for drinking. Of course, with no power there will be no cooking. The forecast does not sound good. When we lose power, I will have no internet so this may be all I can report for a few days. I will update our conditions if and when I can. Hope everyone is safe and warm.

Love you,

Dortha

My Trees!

Well, it is a little bit of a sad day around here. We had gotten to the point that we had done everything we could do ourselves regarding the tree and branch removal. So a tree service came to get the big stuff down with their bucket trucks and climbers. In the end we had to take 4 trees down completely, and several other are cut back quite a bit. It won't be the same for several years. I'm hoping that when spring rolls around, they won't look so bad. But now we have tons of work to do to get all the limbs and trees cut up and hauled off. It would have been so nice if that tree service would have finished the job- without charging us for all the extra work! But I guess they have families to feed also.
I've had a real problem adding pictures to the blog lately. So hopefully I can figure that out, and then I'll add ones from today.
Much love to all -Darla

Friday Night

I realize Valentine Day is still a few days away but since our Sunday School Class party will be tomorrow, we will begin celebrating a little early. We are looking forward to an enjoyable time with our church friends. We will have some wonderful food, some games, special singing and lots of fun.

Kim, I am so thankful you found your camera charger. Now we can look forward to some great family pictures. We need to see pictures of the children often because they are growing up so fast.

My love and prayers,

Dortha

Thank you for the kind words, Darla and Grandmother. You both certainly know how to put a smile on a girl's face!

By the way, I did find my battery charger. It was still in the camera box, up on a shelf in the laundry room. Sometimes I feel like I need a map of the contents in my house (and of my head). Organization has never been one of my strengths, but procrastination has always been a trait of mine, so organizing stuff always seems like something I can do TOMORROW. Yet, tomorrow never comes, does it? Hahaha.

Cold Wednesday

Yesterday was a day for storms---coming only 4 weeks after another series of storms----we were so blessed since all we got was very heavy rains. Many were not so fortunate---30 some killed in different states. We have slick streets this morning with lots of crashes, especially on I-44.


Kim, rest assurred that your posting was a blessing. It had been much toooooo long!!! I cannot picture you as ever being very "grumpy". You have always protrayed such a sweet, caring personality and I know you are the PERFECT example and Pastor's wife. Wonderful to hear of the new converts. I do hope you find your camera charger soon. We need to see more pictures. If you had it in your hand at this moment, where would you put it? Sometimes that can "jog" your memory.


Darla, I agree with your opinion of Kim. She is a very special person and we all love her so much.


Please have a great day and remember...........................

I love you,
Dortha

You've always been my American Idol

You've always been my American Idol, Kim. Even by age 12, I thought you had it together more than most people. And I always appreicated that fact that you are incredibly smart! I used to describe you to my friends as my little cousin that is so smart, we can talk on the same level- even though she is several years younger than me. I'm so glad you didn't talk over my head- because you probably could have! You have always been a joy to be around, you seem to have it all: brains, beauty, a great personality, an unwavering love for God, and now beautiful children who adore you. I'm so pleased that you and Brett are on a quest to bring people to Christ- that is one of the only things that really matters. I think it is so easy to get caught up in day to day jobs, that we forget our real job of spreading His good news. Fom this vantage point- you are a real live success story (I just wish you lived closer!!!) Much Love - Darla

Catch-up post

Hey, it's been awhile since I've posted, but I do check this page everyday. I don't really have that much to report, I guess that's why I've been reluctant to post. Most likely, the winter blues are in full force, I'm grumpy because I'm tired of snow and cold, and it's probably best I don't expose others to my bad attitude. Haha, okay, I already feel a little better.

We had a good weekend. Saturday was another relaxing day, where I got to spend some quality time on the couch, curled up with a book. I can't have peace of mind when there is a book that needs to be finished. Mom gave me the book when I was in Spfd. It's The Innocent Man, by John Grisham, which is a non-fiction account of a man wrongly convicted of murder who spends 12 years on death row before DNA evidence overturns his conviction. It's pretty interesting and harrowing at the same time, just seeing how someone can be convicted of a murder they had nothing to do with. Anyway, I was able to finish the book, then get some housework done.

Church was good too. We had three baptized yesterday. Two of them were from a couple that started coming to church because they were invited by their boss, who got saved last year at Victory. Brett and I took them out to eat a few weeks ago, and led them to the Lord right at the table of the Happy Rose Chinese Buffet! Brett and I joke that we are missionaries called to the restaurants of Toledo, because we have led several people to salvation at the dinner table. Some are called to foreign countries, we are called to local eating establishments, so send your support dollars or Chili's gift certificates so we can continue to minister to those in the area. Haha, just kidding. Anyway, it is exciting to see a couple with no church background become faithful members simply because someone asked them to visit. The husband mentioned that he had noticed such a change in his boss' life over the past year, that he knew he wanted Christ in his life too. Amen! The other one baptized is a young woman from Croatia, but has lived here for the past ten years or so. She has been fun to get to know, and has really shown desire to learn the Bible and serve the Lord. She also is a representative for Estee Lauder, so I have been lucky to get some great products free. (Don't tell Mary Kay.)

Anyway, the kids have been doing well. They all took turns last week with fevers, but everyone is well now. I hope to post some more pictures soon, but I can't find my battery charger to my camera (sorry, Mom.) I know I tucked in a good spot so it wouldn't get lost . . .and I forgot where it is. The girls were off school today for a snow day, but I didn't think the roads were bad at all. I'm sure they appreciated a good four-day weekend,though. They were off Friday for snow, as well.

I'll try not to go as long without posting again. Kim

Sunny Monday

We received a "gift from above" last week when little Isabella arrived---at 7lbs, 9oz---a beautiful little girl. We are so anxious to see her. I am wondering what her "big" sister thinks of her.

Today we have temperature of 74º. It seems so much more like April than the 4th day of February. We are promised cooler temps tomorrow, however, with the possibility of some storms. I trust we will be sparred of any thing detructive.

We had a very enjoyable week-end and I trust you did as well. We are blessed to have the privilege to attend our church services and enjoy the fellowship with friends. Our class attendance was 95 which is average, although we had 105 a week ago. Some of our ladies are planning and preparing a really nice Valentine's Day party for our class next Sat. afternoon. We will have games, door prizes and lots of food. I have been asked to take pictures. I will enjoy doing that!!!!! You may see some of them a little later on the blog.

OK, Darla, the Bible says, "...an eye for an eye....". How about a "...blog for a blog...?" Fair enough??? You missed my posting, now I would welcome a few more postings from you!!!! along with the pictures you promised. OK????? Hey, the rest of you out there----it would be nice to see something from all of you as well.

Love to all,

Dortha

Sat. Night

There isn't much to report tonight except that we have had a beautiful day. Lots of sunshine but still plenty chill in the air. Darla, you must have had lots more snow than we had or you could still have worked with your broken trees today. Our snow is almost ALL gone.

Tomorrow will be Sunday and I would like to encourage each of you to find your way to a place of worship. It will be the most important thing you will have done all week. God is so good to us, the least we can do is serve Him.

Love you all,

Dortha

Beautiful...

It's amazing what a little water and cold can do! -Darla

Girlfriend is back in town

I'm so please to get to communicate with my Grandmother again!!!! I've missed her insights. Our neck of the woods also got some snow. I just love when it has snowed. I know that it makes getting around harder, but it is beautiful. It always seems like a new beginning. Kind of like God gives to us. I believe He always paints us a picture that we can understand- and that is mine.
We don't have any big plans for the weekend except lots of work- this time it is indoors. That is one good thing about the snow... we don't have to work on the trees this weekend!!! I'm hoping the snow doesn't bring down anymore trees- at least not on the house!
Kristen is helping me out in the office, and Andrew is trying to work up the nerve to ask a new girl out to the Winter Dance. It is so cute when he squirms!
Much Love - Darla

Deer

Hi Hollands & company,

Just thought I'd let you know I managed to survive the "blizzard".....even got out today and enjoyed warm sunshine. As they say, "if you don't like the weather, just stick around for an hour or so." It's good to have the travelers to Arkansas back in town. But soon, spring fever will be here and I'm gonna want to travel.

As I was driving in this afternoon from work, I saw 6 young deer beside the road. It was a very pretty sight, watching them running and jumping through the snow, in between the trees. They are so graceful prancing through the snow. But not so nice to trample through Grandad's vegetable garden!!

I hope each of you are going to have a relaxing weekend. Praying God's blessings on each of you.

Jan

February Birthdays

February Birthdays!!!

I almost forgot that today is the first day of a new month and time to post the February birthdays and anniversaries. Some very important people were born----and married---- in February and I say "Happy Birthday" and "Happy Anniversary" to each of them!!!!

Birthdays:

Merrel.......................Feb. 13
Ryon..........................Feb. 28

Anniversary:

Roger & Anne.............Feb. 12

Dortha

Christmas 2007

Having family with us during the Holidays is so special and important to us. We love each of you and appreciate the time you spend with us.

Dortha

Snow Day!!!

As you can see from the pictures, we didn't get nearly as much snow as we were promised but that is OK. We still have some slick roads but should have sunshine later today and what snow we do have should melt. That will make driving much safer for those who have to get out. No other news today.

As I was downloading these pictures, I noticed some recent ones that have not been sharred so may pull them up and do a collage. I hope I don't post some that should be left private. Forgive me if I do!!!

So for now, I will simply say, "May the beauty of the Winter Season fill your heart and home with warmth and love."

My love to each of you,

Dortha