Friends & Sunday Dinner

The attached pictures will let you know we have had an interesting week and week-end. When I do the collage, I always seem to "eliminate" entire people or parts of people. Don't know how to prevent that unless I put fewer pics in the collage. I have to get ALL these important people in, however. Sorry----Emily, Sherlyn, Devin and Courtney!!!

Talk about weather, we cannot seem to move beyond the rains and storms. Tornadoes have touched down not too far from us this morning but at this time, they are moving North and East of us. Lots of warnings for other areas.

Trust everyone had a great week-end and will have a good week.

Love you,
Dortha

Where is Spring-time>>>

Where Can Our Spring Weather be?

I am afraid we are all wondering where--oh--where can Spring-time be?? Our calendars tell us Spring arrived a week ago but it forgot to bring along warmer temps. Oh, we did have warm temps for one day, 79º, in fact. The very next day the temperature was in the 30's.

I must admit, however, I did see some Dogwood blossoms yesterday and the daffodills are in full bloom. Our Bradford Pears are showing some blossoms so we will try to be patient and hope the warmer temps will follow soon. Our fuel costs have eaten our lunch this Winter. Never before have they been so outrageously high and yet the utility companies keep increasing our rates. I don't mean to complain and I realize, even through it all, we have been so blessed. We have been spared the damaging floods some are experiencing and for that we are thankful.

I hope everyone will have a great week-end.

Love you,

Dortha

Devin and Elvis!!!

Devin and Elvis

Can someone help me, please??? Surely there is someone out there who can stand these two men on their feet. I can do it while in the Gallery but cannot seem to save it in an upright position. This will let me know if anyone really reads these posts!!!! Devin looks as if he either doesn't know where he is or where he is going!!! Good picture, Devin.

Sorry about Kristen's fall, Darla. I hope she isn't injured too badly and can go back to school tomorrow. I can imagine it would be difficult for her to sit still very long at a time!!!

Love you,

Dortha

P.S. I waited all morning and no help!!! Sooooo I did it myself. Now I still don't know if anyone is looking. Thanks, anyway. The men look much better on their feet!!! Dortha

Happy Anniversary, Ryon & Jessica

Happy Anniversary, Ryon & Jessica!!!

I am sorry I didn't watch the calendar closely enough and let your anniversary date slip by. I hope you are still accepting "good wishes". You are a very special couple and that cute little Mavrik is certainly an added blessing. He is very fortunate to have chosen the two of you to be his parents. When you visited us recently, it was very comforting to observe how devoted you are to each other and to Mavrik. The most important thing you can ever do for him is to let him know----and show him--- that you love and support each other.

I wish for you a wonderful year and many, many more happy anniversaries ahead. We are looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks.

Love you so much,

Grandmother Holland

Our boys

It's nice to see both my brothers. How did they get so handsome?? They are totally different- but still near and dear to my heart. Even if they look down on me!!!! :-) I like Jaron's hair- it makes his eyes light up. And Carley sure does make Devin look good!
Kristen has been home from school the last couple of days. She fell in the cafeteria on a wet spot. She's been wheeling around in an office chair for the last couple of days. We think she will be able to go to school tomorrow. And let me tell you- when that girl can't go anywhere she gets bored! -Love to all -Darla

Devin & Carley

Carley & Devin in Memphis

Devin, Carley and her parents spent last week-end at the Peabody in Memphis. Devin reports a very good time and shared some pictures of the week-end. Devin will be coming here this week-end so he can spend some time with Jaron. Thanks, Devin, for the pictures. (more next time)

We have a cloudy, cool, dreary rainy day today. Yesterday was so perfect--warm and sunny--- and we need more like that.

I need to get some work done so for now.................

Love you,

Dortha

Tuesday, 3-25-08

Jaron Matthew

Darla, you wanted to see a picture of your little brother----Well, here you see him!!! Cute isn't he? (Sorry the picture is crooked but you know, if you want to get a picture of Jaron, you get it fast or not at all!!) He and Emily have spent the day with his Mom helping her re-oganize her computer room. When I went over a little earlier to inspect, it was looking really good.

We have had a nice, warm Spring-like day. We could use a lot more just this---maybe just a wee bit warmer.

Love you,

Dortha

Easter Sunday Plus one!

Easter Sunday Plus One!!!

Yes, today is the day after Easter and I am remembering what a wonderful Easter Day we had. We went to early church service so I was home in plenty time to finish the Sunday dinner I had begun yesterday morning. The food was all ready when Jan, Sherlyn, Jaron and Emily came to eat with us. Our "attendance" was 'way down as some of our regulars were out of town and some had other plans. Just the same, we enjoyed the ones who were here. Later in the afternoon, our special California son called. He had been feeling badly all week but was able to go to church yesterday morning. After his call, we went to church again and observed the Lord's Supper. It was a very inspiring service and reminded us once again of the sufferings our Dear, wonderful Savior endured for us. So blessed are we.

Today has been a good---if somewhat 'lazy'----day. My central vac stopped working last week so I have a really good reason not to vacuum my carpets. My dear husband has worked on it without success so he has now taken it to the repair shop.

We are so thankful to have Courtney back home safely. She and Sherlyn came over at noon to check on---and sample--- the coconut pie that was left from yesterday's dinner. Courtney is still suffering from "jet-lag" so we haven't had much info yet but we will patiently wait until she feels like sharing her experiences. It is good to have her back and I am glad she was able to have such a special experience. She is on Spring break from school this week so will only have her job to think about. Hopefully she can get some more much needed rest.

That is all for now. Thanks, Darla, for the post and picture of a special little granddaughter. We need to see you!!

Love to all,

Dortha

Courtney is back!

We had a wonderful Easter. Our church service had really great music. The Bailey family came over to our house for lunch and egg hunt. We had a good time, though the best part was having Courtney with us. She got back safe and sound- and I enjoyed every minute I got to spend with her. She is such a wonderful young lady, and I love to see how she has grown in the last year. When I grow up, I want to be just like her!!!
The picture above is from a Band Concert that Kris had a couple of weeks ago. I don't know how she always looks so cute- but she manages! Much Love-Darla

Happy Easter!!!

Happy Easter!!!!!

I trust everyone is looking forward to Easter Sunday when we celebrate our Lord's resurrection and will be making your way to your favorite place of worship. We will be attending an early service and will then be looking forward to a special Sunday dinner with family members and friends some of whom will be coming from out of town.. Jaron arrived yesterday and since he is on Spring break, he will be here for a week.

Courtney is back in the good ole' U S of A. She is spending tomorrow with Darla so we will have to wait until late afternoon to see her and to hear about her trip.

Have a great week end.

Love and blessings,

Dortha

Happy Birthday Jaron!

Happy Birthday Jaron! I thought this was such a cute picture I couldn't resist! I'm sure you'll love it just as much as we do! HeHe! I can't remember what birthday this was for you, but I'm guessing about 8 years old. You look like you really enjoyed that extra large balloon though! I can't wait to see you this weekend! Have a great Birthday Jaron!
I love you.

Sherlyn

Happy BIrthday, Jaron

Jaron, I hope you are having a great day, as you slipped into the ripe old age of 22. I know I'm just the mom here, but I really can't believe you have already got this old. I'm so glad I have many great memories of your growing up years. You were such a cute kid! And a good kid too!

I pray for you each day that God will protect you and guide you in this life, and that you will always put God first. I'm anxious to see you in a couple of days. Maybe you won't have to share a birthday cake with Courtney like you did so many years.

Jaron, you're a great guy and I love you very much.

Your mom

Happy Birthday, Jaron

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jaron

I hope you are having a good day. We will have to "celebrate" your birthday when you come for a visit this week end. It has been interesting to watch you grow and mature into the wonderful person you are today. God has given you a healthly body and a sharp mind. My prayer is that you will always give God thanks for His blessings and live for Him. Also, as you are faced with making decisions, search your heart to know your decisions will be pleasing to God and His plans for you.


Remember, I love you very much and wish the best for you in all you do.

Grandmother

Happy BIrthday, Courtney

My dear Courtney, I hope you have had a wonderful day in Spain, especially since it was your birthday! What a way to throw a party!! And you deserve it because you always had to share your parties with Jaron. This time he couldn't keep up with you! I can't wait for you to get back and tell us all about your trip. I better see pictures with you in it!!

I am so thankful for the wonderful gift God gave me when he blessed my life, sending you to be my special girl. I couldn't have asked for anything better than the package He put in you.

Laugh alot and love alot.
And keep God number one in your life.

I love you Courtney,

Your Mom

Try Again!= Happy Birthday Court!

Best Birthday Wishes to a Very Special Sister! The first picture of Courtney was always one of my favs. She was at my house getting ready to go to a dance and she looked amazing! The second picture of Courtney and GJ was taken in '90. I think it's SO cute! Every night, they would get ready for bed in their adorable jammies and then they would go steal my clippies for my hot rollers and stick them all over each other! Why this was so much fun for them, I'll never know, but they were so cute and they loved each other! They still do! Nobody better mess with Courtney unless they plan on dealing with GJ. He is very protective of her still. Well, Court, even though you're thousands of miles away, we wish you a wonderful birthday and miss you lots! Have fun in Spain girl!
Love You!
Sherlyn

Happy Birthday Court!

March 17th

No doubt someone will say, "I thought Courtney's birthday was March 18th". And you would be right, however, it is March 18th in France where she is tonight. OK?????

Dortha

Courtney's Birthday

From a beautiful baby girl to a lovely young lady!!!! Happy Birthday, Courtney.

I love you,
Grandmother

Happy Birthday, Courtney

Happy Birthday, Courtney!!!! This will be a birthday to remember!!! (I am sorry you were bisected on some of the pics.!!) You are several thousand miles away from the only home you have known and from the family that loves you so much. We are thrilled, however, that you are getting to spend your birthday in France---an experience of a lifetime and you are certainly in our thoughts and prayers. We will have to celebrate again when you come home.

We are so blessed to have had the privilege to watch you grow from a sweet young child into the beautiful and super sweet young lady you are today. You are so special in so many ways. Your love for and your dedication to serving God is so evident and you have made some very wise decisions for your life. You work hard at your job while attending college and preparing yourself for a very successful life and future. I believe God has great plans and blessings in store for you.

I love and appreciate you so much,
Grandmother (I will make your favorite cake when you get home!!)

Our Champion

This last week Patch was at the Dog Shows in Louisville, KY with the breeder. Patch won all of her majors, and is now officially a Champion. When they brought her home, we also got to spend a little time with her father and her sister. The first picture is of her dad. And the second picture is her and her sister, Lola. Patch kept taking Lola's leash and running her around the yard. They were cute together.
Anyway the only other news for the weekend, is - yes, you guessed it- storm clean-up. We're still moving tons of branches, and enough firewood for several years. If it gets piled any higher in the front yard- you won't be able to see the house! We have stopped taking the branches to the drop off place, because the county said they would pick it up- but we're not sure when that will happen. We're making progress, but there is still a lot to do. We're trying to get the rest of it done by next weekend, so we can have an Easter Egg Hunt with Bill's family. We have the best yard- normally. Luckily this week is Spring Break for the kids- so we're putting them to work all week!!!! We're just hoping the rain is not too much. Wish us luck!! -Darla

Happy St. Pat's Day

I guess the color in this picture can relate to St. Pat's day as well as the weather we have today. It isn't raining right now but did rain during the night and we are expecting more today and tonight as well as tomorrow. Right now it is too cool, cloudy and gloomy. Also VERY windy. Where or where can we find some warm, sunny days????

Since complaining is all I seem able to do, I will just say-----That's all folks!!

May you always have work for your hands to do,

May your pockets hold always a coin or two,

May the sun shine bright on your windowpane,

May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.

Dortha

A Great Sunday

Miss Courtney!!!

We will be featuring Courtney this week. We have had two phone calls from her--the last one today. She is having a wonderful time in France. She went to the top of the Eiffel Tower earlier---said it was a bit frightening but an unforgettable view. She thinks the country side is so beautiful. She is enjoying being with cousins, friends and her Aunt. We are so glad she is having a good time.

We have had a beautiful day though a bit too cool. We are promised rain tonight, tomorrow and Tuesday. We will welcome Spring and warm temps any day now.

This will be a busy week as we will be getting ready for some "house guests" this next week end. Jaron will be home for Spring break and Devin will come during that time also. It is always good to see those young people. We miss them but know they have to live their lives as God has ordained. We are glad they are close enough to come home occasionally. It seems such a short time since we would not allow them to cross the street alone and now they are all grown up and making decisions on their own and taking care of themselves.

Good Night for now,

Dortha

Paris in March

What a wonderful sound I heard this evening......a familiar voice that said she was in Paris. Mostly I heard giggling and laughs from Courtney as she tried to tell me what a great time she was having. She's enjoying getting to know her cousins and also seeing the sites in a new country. However, she did say her flight was very long (8 or 9 hours, I think). She promises us many, many pictures. I just hope they convey her joy of this trip. Thanks to all of you who helped make this a reality for her.
My prayers for her are that she will see God's wonderful world and the people He created and loves. It's good to know that our God can take care of His children wherever they are.
Jan

Beautiful warm Thursday

Spring is in the air!!!!!

Yesterday our temp was in the 70's. Today should be near that but then the rains come again. Oh, well, that will make the grass grow and the flowers bloom. I think we are ready to see some flowers. The Winter months have been so bleak with all the ice and rains. Just no storms, please!!!!

Thanks for the report of Courtney, Darla. It is good to know she is safe and I am sure she will have a great week.

Today we have lunch at church. The group is called "The Forerunners". Translated that means the "old people". It will be enjoyable with good food and a musical group entertaining.

Darla, you would have been most welcome at our Sunday party. Just feel free to jump on over and join us any time. Don't know if Devin will be coming here this week end or not. Also, thank you, Darla, for your recent postings. I don't feel so all alone when I see someone else' name once in awhile. For some reason I don't see the count of those who log on any more. That was somewhat comforting, although I have NO idea who logs on since during the 9 months of blogging, there have been perhaps no more than a dozen comments. I enjoyed the pictures Kim posted for Baylea's birthday last week. It is good to see how the children are growing and some of their activities.

I must get my dish ready to take to our luncheon.

Love you,

Dortha

Paris Arrival

Just a quick note, I got word this morning that Courtney and her group landed in Paris about 2AM (our time). All is well, and I'm sure they are ready to for a big day! -Darla

She's leaving, on a jet plane...

Well, my favorite little sister is off to France! I think she will have a great time and she's with a good group of people. But I was a little disappointed with her - she just gave me a hug and a wave. She didn't cry, beg to stay with me or say she didn't want to go- or anything like that!!!! She's an amazing young lady - beautiful inside and out; and I'm thrilled she is getting this opportunity. Much love - Darla

Mavrik & His "Manager"

If you need your car detailed, you can talk to Mavrik's manager---(first and last pics). He seems to be encouraging customers to stop in. I understand Mavrik works pretty cheap. You will need a real small car!!!

It's a beautiful day

It is a beautiful day, but a little cold. But I guess that just made me walk faster. I'm having to walk alone this week- Patch is in Louisville, KY - being a show princess. I'm glad all that show stuff isn't left up to us, between the time and money- we would never get her to the shows! But the Breeder does all that- and brings our puppy home to us with ribbons. Although we love Patch, at our house- she's just a dog.
Well there isn't much going on here- except working on tree debris. I feel like we have to be the most boring people around- that has been our only entertainment for months! But I'm very excited that my little sister will be here tonight, and then fly out tomorrow morning for France!! I wish she could just pack me in her bag and I could go with her! But at least I'll get to see her for a little while. Those pictures of the Sunday dinner make me wish I was there!!!
Love to all - Darla

Broken trees & Sunday Dinner

Well, the collage is a mixture of sorts. First pic is of our last snow, next 4 are of our broken trees and our amazing, wonderful, thoughtful number 1 son cleaning them up for us. Some of the limbs just needed to be pulled away, others needed to be sawed with that infamous, (unwanted !!!!!) chain saw!!! He hauled 3 loads to the "dump" . There is still more work to do and more hauling to do but we are so grateful for what Ron did for us.


The next 4 pictures represent the party we threw yesterday for some VIP'S. We had a great day. G.J. was here from college for the week end. Devin was taking a break from his stressful job of setting up a new store 5 hours from here. It is always good to have Ron and Vicky join us. The collage seems to like "cropping" parts of the original pictures which resulted in trimming Carley right out of the picture. You can see her arm next to G.J. Sorry Carley!!!! We see Sherlyn not feeling so well and last of all, a surprised but Cute Courtney.


Speaking of Courtney, she will be leaving tomorrow for her trip to France. We shall miss that young lady but we wish for her a wonderful experience------an experience of a lifetime. Please say an extra prayer for her that she will return safely.


That's all for now.

Love you,
Dortha

Friday Morn.

It is time to rise and shine!!! I am not sure we will have any sunshine today so we will have to make our own with our attitudes!!!!~. We got NO snow last night even though some areas not too far from us got up to 18".

Not much to report on Holland Hill. Pretty much a routine week. My kitchen project is completed for the most part and I am so pleased with the results. We spent yesterday trying to get our ice maker working and it seems to be back in service. That is GOOD news!!!

Kim, I enjoyed the pictures you posted of your two beautiful daughters. It is good to compare the "old" with the "new". They are growing much too fast. All too soon, you will have teen-agers!!!

Stay safe and warm,

Love you,

Dortha

I dug up some older pictures and couldn't pass up sharing them. I believe most of these are from 2003, when she would have been four years old.

Here's the birthday girl from June 2007 to March 2008. I have another couple collages coming soon (check my own blog,too).

Happy Birthday Baylea!!!!

A Younger Baylea and her Parents

Baylea, I want to be the second one to wish you a Happy Birthday. You are a very special daughter and are so blessed to have the wonderful parents you have, your brothers and sister, also your grandparents. Even though we do not get to see you often, it has been good to watch you grow and become a good roll model for your siblings. I hope your birthday will be very special and that you get to do all the things you want to do today.

I love you,

Great Grandmother Holland

Happy Birthday, Baylea!!

Happy 9th birthday to Miss Baylea. We were so excited when you came into the world and became our 1st granddaughter. We love spending time with you and enjoy every chance we get to be with you. You are very special to us! You are just growing up too fast.

Baylea, we hope your day is very special and wish we could give you a big birthday hug!! Instead, hugs and kisses over the internet.

Love you bunches,
Gramma and Granddad

Blue Skies!!!

Blue skies smiling at me---nothing but blue skies do I see!!!!! Oh, what a beautiful morning. If I had not taken the picture of our snow yesterday, I could not have proved that we even had any snow. We had sunshine by noon and before evening, all the snow was gone. That's OK, I like the sunshine.

I hope the sun is shinning for you today.

Love you,
Dortha

Two Beauties!!!!!

Two Little Beauties!!!

Just can't resist sharing this sweet picture of these beautiful little sisters. Bella is so fortunate to have a big sister to help take care of her. Scott and Heather, thank you for sending pictures often. Of course, we would like to see all of you in person but until we can, please keep the pictures coming. Hope we can see all of you in May.

Love you,

Grandmother Holland

Snowy Tuesday

March 4-2008

We feel cheated!!! From the picture, you can see we did not get as much snow as we were promised. Ours is 2 to 2 1/2" while parts of Springfield got up to 8". That's OK. We really did not need 8". What we have should all melt tomorrow as our temp is supposed to be in the 40's. Yesterday we had light rain and sleet which was no fun. I needed some things from the grocery store and drove there during the heaviest sleet. Getting back to the car with my cart and umbrella was not easy as the wind was really blowing at that time. I am glad I don't need to get out again for awhile.

Darla, I am glad you survived the storms Sunday. We escaped them except for some rain during the night. I hope your back is feeling better and I think the working with the trees is for the boys anyway. I would be glad I got kicked off the job if I were you.

Hope everyone is safe and warm today.

Love you,

Dortha

We survived the weather, did you?

Good morning to all. We had a large, angry storm move through last night that stole our beautiful weather. But I guess that is expected in March. It was so beautiful on Saturday- it was hard for me to stay inside and work at my desk! I kept 'checking' on Bill and the kids- who were, of course, working on the trees. I got kicked off the Tree Team because I hurt my back Friday moving too much. Bill says I don't know the first thing about being a supervisor- but I say my brain knows the definition- my hands and body just don't mind very well. It is so hard for me to see a huge job, and only watch and tell other people how to work! It never seems fair to me, not to be helping. But I was saved Saturday by my back- interesting that when I don't know when to stop- my body reminds me! I had lots of work at my desk anyway- and by the end of the day my shoulders and neck were in such a state that it helped me forget somewhat about my back! Although I don't recommend this plan of action for anyone else!!
By Sunday the wonderful weather was gone- with the promise of cold, wet, or maybe snow. We watched the storms move through- with lots of wind. I always feel terrible that we send all our bad weather to everyone else. I worry when I know we've had a nasty storm, because it heads straight for MO. So I hope everyone there is safe and sound- and warm!! - Darla

Sunday Night

Today is the very first day of a new week and the first Sunday in a brand new month. So far we have had a "typical" March day-----very windy and 75º warm. If our forecast is correct, the temp will drop into the 30's tonight with promise of rain, sleet and possible snow for the next 2 days. Oh, well, I guess we can say we had a short Summer.

Today has been a good day. Our church services were very good and challenging. Jan, Sherlyn and Ryan joined us for Sunday dinner. It is so good to share meals and time with our family. Makes Sundays more special and we are so blessed to live close to many of our family members. God has been so good to us in so many ways. We have home, health, more material blessings than we can count and a family second to none. What more can we ask? We give God ALL the glory!!!

We have no special plans for this week except that we have a few more things to do with the kitchen project. After everything was hooked up again, our ice maker won't work. I remember days when we had no ice maker----in fact, there were many years when we did not even have a refridgerator---but we are so spoiled now, we will have to find a way to get it working.

Good Night to all,

Love you,

Dortha

March Birthdays

Who can tell me where February went??? Seems only a few days ago when we were in January. Now we see March 1st. Today we have sunshine with a promise of 66º so it should begin to seem like Spring. I think everyone is ready for some warmer weather. We have had enough ice and cold temps to last a long time.


Well, it is time to list our March birthdays and anniversaries.


Birthdays:

Baylea..........................March 5th (Will she really be 9? How
did she get this old in such
a short time?)

Courtney.....................March 18th

Jaron..........................March 19th

Jessica (# 1)................March 22nd

Anniversaries:

Ryon & Jessica............March 25th

I wish for everyone a safe and enjoyable weekend. Remember to go to church tomorrow!!!

Love you,

Dortha