Sunny Sunday, Yea!!!

Yes, I know I posted this picture earlier but I want to make a comment about the green grass. We should name the picture, "Green Grass of Home". We are one day away from the first day of July and many years by this date our lawns are brown from lack of rain and too much hot sunshine. Well, this year we have had very little hot sunshine and we have had an abundance of rain-----in fact we have had TOO much rain in too short a time. Yesterday we got more than 3" while some areas near us received more than 6". Our grass grows so fast we cannot keep it mowed---as you can plainly see in the picture. Today we have had sunshine and a very comfortable day. We had a good church service this morning and we are off in a few minutes for an evening service and then.......................................a card game with our friends, ladies vs the men. The ladies have had the upper hand for the last few games but that is subject to change any time. The men often show us no mercy and win every thing. Oh, well, it is all in fun and fun it is. We look forward to the games.

I trust everyone has had a great Sunday and will have a great week. Remember to be safe on the Fourth!!!!!

Love you,

Dortha

Come on Over, Darla!!!

A real sweetie!!!

Darla, COME ON OVER!!!!

Darla, you are so sweet to say those nice things about your grandmother. Nothing would please me more than to have you drop in for a meal-----any time!!! In fact, the fresh green beans are cooking as I type, the squash will be fried between now and 6:00. Other things will be added and you are most welcome!!!! I think you, and others, exaggerate when you talk about the food you eat at my house. It is just "plain 'ole food" but if you like it, then I am glad and very flattered. I suppose if I have a "calling" it might be cooking. I have cooked for more years than I can remember and many, many times for large numbers.

I do remember those days when a young Kristen helped me in the kitchen. She liked to put the salt in the jars when we canned beans and to grind the zuchini when we prepared it for the freezer. Now, if you want a report on your son, he was not a happy camper when he had to help snap beans---I have a picture to prove it. I will find it and post it later.

Love you, Darla, thanks for writing and come see us,

Grandmother

Grandmother, I'm getting hungry!

I'm having withdrawals from my grandparents garden!!! I miss the days when every time I came over- I was sent home with a bag full of garden veggies!!! I'm going to have to plan a trip to MO and sit at the bar like Kristen used to as a small girl. I think she survived an entire summer on squash, tomatoes, and okra- grandmother style!!!! Every time I asked what she wanted- 'squash and tomatoes!'
I'm missing you guys. Although I was able to spend a little time talking to my mom this week- which always brightens my day. My thoughts and prayers go to Ryan several times a day. I hope he can feel how proud his entire family is of him. He's always been a great guy, but now he's becoming a wonderful young man. Since I told a story on Kris, I'll leave you with one about Ryan. When he was about 4 yr old, he hated any kind of meat (even ham at that time). One day I made MEATloaf, and he loved it! Then he asked what it was called, I wondered if I should call it something besides meatloaf, so that he wouldn't quit eating it. But I told him the truth and he even asked for second. I know by the time he gets to come home from basic training - he will be looking forward to grandmother's cooking. Grandmother has a way of making us all feel very special and you always remember our favorites! Thank you so much grandmother- we know you put love into every meal. Much love -Darla

Sunny Friday

We are fast approaching a very important day to celebrate. Remember, freedom is NOT free. We are so thankful for the men and women who are willing to protect our dear land. They deserve our respect and prayers. Please remember Ryan!!!

We feel lonely since all of our company left. We had a busy few days but so very enjoyable and great to have time to spend with relatives we don't get to visit very often.

We have had sunshine for 4 days now. Imagine that!!! We are promised showers and perhaps storms over the week end, however. We will enjoy the sunshine as long as we can. Our gardens do not need more moisture right now. Some of our plants have had too much rain. Merrel is trying to get some grass cut down so the plants can grow better. Interesting how the grass and weeds can grow without any cultivating but not so for the veggie plants. We are eating green beans---yummm---and squash now.

My love and prayers for all,

Dortha

Another Get Together

Sunday, June 22, 2008

We enjoyed our 'party' in Hot Springs on Saturday then on Sunday we had company from AZ, AR and, of course, MO. Sunday evening 24 joined us in our dining room for an evening meal. Several had to travel back to their respective homes but the 9 Arizonians stayed with us until Tuesday noon. We had a great visit with each of them, also with the locals who were able to be here part of the days. Kim and her family were in town and came for a visit on Monday afternoon. We made a lot of new "memories" and sharred memories of years gone by. Each of us learned some new happenings of our ancestors. We do not envy the lives they had to live so many years ago. We appreciate the conveniences we have today that were un-heard of during the early years. I wish we could spend more time with family and friends.

My love to all,

Dortha

Holland Reunion 2008

Holland Reuion 2008

Several members of the Holland Tribe made their way to Hot Springs last week for our yearly reuion. It is always good to get together and share happenings, food and fun. Terrell and Joann are great hosts and their club room is perfect---there is even a pool for the young and/or the young at heart. We appreciate everyone's efforts to be there. Some were unable to attend this year so we will look forward to seeing them next year.

Love to all,

Dortha

Sunny Wednesday, June 25, 08

I realize America has many problems but I am still thankful God chose America to be my homeland. Very soon we will be celebrating Independence Day and we are reminded once again of those who have fought for our freedom, many have given their lives, many continue to make sacrifices for us. Remember to continually lift them up in prayer----and DON'T FORGET RYAN!!!!

Love you,
Dortha

Don't worry about tomorrow, for God is already there!

That is one of Ryan's favorite sayings. We are missing him, and thinking and praying for him daily. He has always brought so much light and laughter to those around him. And is so handsome when he smiles. I'm so proud and honored that he has chosen to serve our country. They couldn't ask for someone with a bigger heart! I also know that Sherlyn is probably going through 'withdrawals' of not having her baby with her. They just grow up too fast! As a mom I know that I would be constantly worried, and wishing he could come home a give me a huge hug. But there is something that came to mind last night while I was praying: Sherlyn once sang a beautiful song at church- "Hand on My Shoulder". It was one of the most moving and beautiful songs I've ever heard her sing. And now it's my turn to let her know that God has His hand on Ryan's shoulder, as well as hers. His hands are so big and so experienced- God can handle all the problems and worries that we encounter. We just have to remember to turn it all over to Him. So for Sherlyn, I dedicate this song to you- although you'll have to sing it to yourself!

Much love to both of you. -Darla

Rain, Rain go Away!!!

Rain, Rain, go Away

Come Again Another Day!!!

It seems to have rained ALL night, along with lots of lightening and thunder. I would like to see some sunshine today. I am afraid our gardens will drown. They don't like nor need this much water at one time. We are now more than 7" above our average for the year and the year is not yet 1/2 gone. The rains began yesterday afternoon and we had some very strong winds for a few hours. A small tornado traveled down Hi-way 65 and damaged some businesses along the way. Some HUGE trees have blown down and done much damage in the area.

We need dry weather tomorrow while we travel to Hot Springs also our AZ relatives need nice weather for their visit on Sunday. They are now attending a family reunion at Lake Bull Shoals. I hope they are not getting these storms we are having. I feel so sad for all the folks who are suffering in the flood areas. The floods just don't seem to end.

I must get my day started. Try to smile and be a blessing to someone today.

Dortha

A Beautiful Thursday!!

Another Tribute to Ryan

This is yet another picture that I included in the collage but thought it interesting enough to post again. The interesting part is the picture in the back ground of Merrel. We did not pay attention to what would show in the picture but think this is perfect. Merrel was almost the exact age that Ryan is now when he was drafted into the Navy in 1943. Ryan has always enjoyed hearing his Granddad talk about his Military experiences during World War II. Perhaps that inspired him and gave him a desire to serve his country as well. Ryan, we are proud of you and would like to know what you are doing at this moment. Of course, if we knew that now, we would wonder once again a few hours from now. It will be good when you can call and/or correspond with us.

This is a beautiful day in the Ozarks. I went to the grocery store before 7:00 this morning. That is a perfect time to go---no problem parking, no traffic jams in the aisles, no waiting at the check out counter and I got to enjoy the early morning temp and clear air. I am trying to remember all the things I will need for this week-end. It will be a busy one. We will drive to Hot Springs on Sat.----down and back the same day. Then on Sunday, we will have guests from AZ and AR----and of course, some "locals". I am not sure how many will be coming but I am expecting around 20 here Sunday evening for an evening meal. When I think of the "locals", I realize we could easily have more than 20. Some I am not sure of yet. Kim and her family are visiting this week and may be able to join us.

I suppose I really should get busy!!!! That is, if the food is going to get ready!!!!

Love to all and hope you have a great day,

Dortha

The Next Day!!!

Ryan & His Granddad

June 18, 2008

I included this picture in the collage yesterday but you could only see 'half' of Ryan and I want you to see how pleasant, happy and handsome he looks. I can hardly wait to see him in his uniform. We will all be so proud of him. He will be upper-most in our thoughts and prayers today as his Mother will be also. I know in part how difficult this day will be for her. So well I remember the day---38 years ago----when we said "Good-by" to Ron as he left for the Air Force. His leaving left an emptyness in our hearts and lives that cannot be explained. We, as parents, have each spent 18 years teaching and preparing our children to stand on their own two feet and to make wise decisions but there is a vast difference in watching them go into the Military vs leaving home for college, jobs or other reasons. We all understand how necessary our Armed Forces are and we are thankful for those who offer their lives for the protection of our country.

Please pray for Ryan today AND his Mother!!!

Love you,

Dortha

Ryan is Leaving!!!!

Today has been a day of smiles and tears. Ryan made a decision several months ago to join the Marines. He took his tests recently---and passed with flying colors----and understood that it would probably be the middle of October before he would be called to report for duty. Well, that changed this morning at 9:00 when an officer rang his door bell and asked if he would like to leave TODAY!!!! There is an opening in the branch Ryan had requested and it was his if he could leave today. Needless to say, we were all surprised and not at all prepared mentally nor emotionally for such a sudden departure. Ryan seems so happy and we all feel it is the best thing for him to do at this time.

I was able, on short notice, to put together a decent evening meal and we had 9 people around the dining room table to eat and wish Ryan well. We then watched as G.J. and Sherlyn left to drive him into Springfield. From there he would be taken by car to Kansas City. He will fly out of KC tomorrow for San Diego where he will be in training for 13 weeks. More details later as we know more.

Please lift Ryan up in prayer each day. Everything and everyone will be new and strange to him and he will miss home, family and everything that was familiar, just as we will miss him. As soon as I know an address, I will post it and hope everyone will send him a greeting occasionally.

Dortha

One Year Later!!!

Happy First Anniversary!!!!

Happy Anniversary to a special couple. I hope you are having a wonderful week of celebrating and remembering. We all remember the beautiful wedding we attended one year ago today. I am glad you have had a good year and that you are now looking forward to a new addition to your family. We hope and trust the little one will arrive safely in a few months.

Have a great day and remember.............................

We all love you,

Grandmother Holland

Happy 1st Anniversary!!!

Happy 1st anniversary to Keith and Jessica!! It seems like the past year has gone so fast and we were just celebrating your wedding at The Chateau. We hope you have a great anniversary week vacation. We're thankful for both of you and so glad you found happiness in each other- may you be blessed with many more years to come!!

We love you,

Mom and Dad H

Our Eleven Grandchildren

Our Eleven Very Special Grandchildren!!!

We are looking forward to having all eleven of our grandchildren visit us in a few weeks. It will be interesting to see the changes 14 years have made. This picture was taken in August of 1994---the last time they were all together. Courtney, the youngest, is now 20 years old and a lovely young lady. I could give you an up-date on each of them and my comments would be very positive. They each live busy and interesting lives and are using the many talents God has given them. I believe the world is a better place because of the contributions each of them are making. We feel so blessed and are so thankful we have had the privilege to see them often and share in their lives. We are so anxious to have them all together once again-------even though the occasion is a bit "mind boggling"!!! They say I will be celebrating my 80th birthday in August. It is very difficult for me to realize I have been blessed with 80 years on this earth and I must say, they have been very good years, they have simply passed too quickly.

I understand that birthdays are good for you----the more you have, the longer you live!!!

I must get busy. This week will pass much too quickly as I have much to do.

I wish for each of you, a very good day.

My love,

Dortha

Happy Father's Day!!

This is a Happy Father's Day wish for all the Godly Fathers in my special family. I am very thankful for each one. We are sooooo blessed. My own Dad has been gone for 41 years so all I have of him are memories. I would like to have an opportunity to tell him I love him and that I forgive him for deserting me, my Mother and Sister when I was a child. Perhaps he had a reason I cannot understand. I do have some special memories of him and the years he lived with us. I remember sitting on his lap in the evenings while he read to me. I thought he liked me and I want to continue thinking that he did. I never have felt that I was the reason he left as some young children feel.

I am very thankful for my husband and for the wonderful partner he has been for me and the great

Dad he has been for our children. I wish for him a very good day tomorrow. I will be combining a special dinner for him with a Happy Birthday dinner for Jan. Yesterday was her birthday but Fridays are not good days for parties so she has to wait until tomorrow. We are expecting several family members to join us after church.

Today has been a good day with non-stop sunshine. It is very much appreciated after the down pour we had yesterday. We received 4 1/2" of rain. Our forecast has more planned for next week. We really do not need more right now but we are so much better off than the many people in the flood areas.

We are thankful for the good report Merrel got yesterday at his Doctor's office. All the tests showed great progress and some of his limitations were lifted. He still has to be careful not to raise his arm nor to reach behind himself. He can work in the garden and that is GOOD!!! We need our garden veggies so badly. Our bean vines have some small beans so we should have some ready to cook this week end. Ron came out one evening and did some work in the garden. We appreciate you, Ron.

Ryan mowed our lawn today. That was a good help. He will be leaving on October 15th for San Diego where he will take his basic training as he is being inducted into the Marines. He seems pleased with the decision he has made. We will miss him. We are running out of boys!!

Again I wish a GREAT day for all the Fathers!!!!

Love to all and a blessed Sunday. Remember to go to Church!!!

Dortha

Happy Birthday, Jan

Happy Birthday, Jan

That same sweet smile even after all these years and the same desire for chocolate!!!! I hope you have a wonderful day and a great year ahead. I don't understand how the years have passed so quickly but watching you grow and become the person you are today, has been a blessing beyond words. I am so blessed to have spent the past 14 years living right across the street from you and being a part of your days. You are a very dear daughter and I love you sooooo much,

Mother

Happy Birthday, Jan!!!

Jan, we want to wish you a happy "60th" birthday!! We hope your day is great and you enjoy every minute of it!! You're a very special sister and sister-in-law, and you mean alot to us. We admire you for your Christian principles and the life you lead. May God bless you today and give you many more happy years ahead! Take care of yourself today and remember that there are many people who love you!! We are just a couple of them. [ hope the picture is ok- it's the only recent one I had of you.]

We love you, Jan!

Ron and Vicky

Mr. Mavrik

Just cannot resist sharing these pictures of this handsome little guy. He was an added attraction during the wedding and reception. The last picture includes his Dad and his beautiful Sister.

Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Dortha

Thursday 6-12-08

Kristen's Favorite Part of Our Visit in AZ

I like posting pictures of Kristen. She was a real trooper and brightened our days. We had difficulty getting her out of the pool at my cousin's home in Mesa, AZ. I know some of the long hours of driving were not that interesting to her but she never complained.

Since I was not home and had NO access to a computer at the first of the month, I was unable to post the birthdays and anniversaries for June. We don't have very many this month but the ones we do have are VERY special!!!

Birthday:

Jan..............................June 13th

Anniversary:

Keith and Jessica.........June 16th

Since tomorrow is not a good day to have a birthday party, Jan will have to wait until Sunday noon. We will combine her special day with Father's Day dinner. If you are reading this, YOU are invited to attend our party-----please call for reservations!!!!

I hope Devin can come home for the week-end. He now has a new room-mate----a 9 week old Siberian Husky little puppy. This is her first week away from her mother. We are anxious to hear what kind of week the 2 of them have had.

Jaron flew to Phoenix yesterday so we know he will not be with us.

Hope eveyone is having a great day.

Love you,

Dortha

Kristen in Different States

Our goal on our trip was to take Kristen's picture as we entered each state. It was sometimes impossible to stop at each sign. At least we have most of them and I have no idea why they did not stay in order as I clicked them. Anyway----she has proof that she did travel through several states. (I guess we did not get one as we entered Kansas.)

Sorry I do not have time to post more today. Merrel needed help getting the ground in the garden spaded up so he could drop some okra seeds. He was not able to do that with one "useable" hand so I worked with him for 2 hours this morning. I am not very capable of doing that kind of work for an extended time so have needed some rest after we finished. We MUST have okra when our company comes in August and we were running out of time to get it planted. I also helped him get some wires up for the bean vines to climb on. Their feelers are running all over the place and getting all wraped around other plants. We actually have some little beans!!! Looks as if we may have enough ready to take to Hot Springs next week end for our Holland Reunion. I hope so. We will have little yellow squash ready to eat in a few days. The garden is looking good. Hope we can find a way to get it ploughed. That is something I cannot do and neither can Merrel until his Dr. tells him he can which may never happen. He has an appointment on Friday and he is hoping he can use his left arm after that. It is difficult to remember not to use it nor raise it above his head but he has done a good job and has been very protective of it.

More later folks,

Dortha

Yes, We Are HOME!!!!

HOME SWEET HOME!!!!

All good things must come to an end and that is exactly what happened for us at 5:00 Saturday P.M. We had a wonderful trip and enjoyed everything so much but our home did look good after having traveled 5,200 trouble free miles. It was good to spend time with family and friends and to attend the beautiful wedding for Brandon and Dailon. (More details later.)

Sherlyn had kept our lawn mowed, having mowed it 2 times while we were gone and it is not an easy job---one and one/half acres of uneven ground. We appreciate all she did for us, also she kept Jan's customers satisfied by filling in for Jan those 2 weeks. Jaron watered my plants so he gets credit for having done that for me. All I remember that Courtney did was complain that I wasn't here to fix her noon meal each day!!! I am kidding but she did mention that she missed the service she had become used to. I did feed her Sunday and yesterday so she is happy again.

We came home to a VERY hot house. We had not needed our air conditioning before we left but soon found out that we had NO cool air Sat. night. The fan ran but that is all. Needless to say, we were not very comfortable as the temp was 90º on Sat. and since our house was all closed up, it had obtained a lot of heat. We were thankful for some floor fans and we did make it through the night OK. Sunday was not much cooler but I managed to prepare a noon meal for 8 people. Devin was home for the week-end so he, Carley, Jan, Jaron and Courtney joined us. Sherlyn didn't feel like eating. She had worked too long in the hot sun mowing on Sat.

We were blessed with some cool temp yesterday. We had rain off and on during the day and the temp did not reach 70º. Right now it is 59º with a very dense fog. I can barely see Jan's house right across the street. It should lift during the morning hours. Yesterday and today we do not need air conditioning but we may tomorrow and we have a repairman scheduled to come today. I hope repair will not be too "painful". Our air conditioner is less than 2 years old.

We have LOTS of work to do to get things back in place so I better get busy. I need to spend some hours on my computer. It is very bogged down with all the things that stacked up on it during the 2 weeks I was unable to check my mail. I wished for a lap-top. It was hard to wait so long to see what had happened. (Near the end our our "tour", I was able to view my mail while we were in Wyoming but not enough time to delete and sort.) I am thankful for Vicky, Darla and Sherlyn's filling in for me on the blog. I see no reason for them to stop just because I am home. I hope they will continue to post.

Our garden looks good but need to be ploughed and Merrel is not able to use the tiller. He had hoped Jaron would do it for him but yesterday the rain kept him from doing it, today the gound is much too wet and tomorrow Jaron is flying to AZ. I sure hope we don't lose everything. The fresh veggies help so much on the grocery bill plus we surely do enjoy them.

I must get busy. Thanks to everyone who contributed to our 2 weeks away from home.

Love to all,

Dortha

Thanks Vicky

I was so glad to see the pictures from the wedding. It looks beautiful! I was thrilled to see the wedding pictures, but I must say seeing my baby girl was the best!! I have missed her so much. But I guess I'll have to quit calling her my baby girl, because until I read the captures- I didn't realize that Kris was in the pictures!! I can't wait for her to get home. I know she can tell endless stories- but secretly I love every one of them! Thank you so much Vicky- it was great to see her in the pictures- and everyone else! -Darla

Wedding rehearsal

I wanted to post some pictures of the rehearsal so you can see the other travelers that were in California. Kristen stood in for an absent bridesmaid at the rehearsal and she loved it. Keith and Jessica at least made it to the rehearsal before she was put on bedrest because of a pregnancy complication, the baby is fine, Jessica just needed to take it real easy for a couple of days. Again, we all had a good time and it was a perfect place to have a wedding. I'm sure there will more pictures from others. Vicky

Thank you Vicky, for posting those beautiful wedding pictures. It looked like an absolutely perfect wedding! Congratulations to the newly married couple! I loved her dress- it makes her look like a princess. Well, Holland Hill is missing it's primary residents, but I'm sure they are having a great time. I hope Granddad is doing well with the traveling.
Ryan and I talked with a Marine recruiter yesterday. He's excited to go in. He will probably go in September and he scored high enough on his test that he can pretty much go into whatever field he wants to. I'm really proud of him, but as a mother, I'm also worried what being active could mean for him. Please keep him in your prayers.
Have a great weekend!
Love to all,
Sherlyn

More wedding

Dailon and Brandon's Wedding

Here are a few highlights from Dailon and Brandon's wedding. The weather was beautiful, it was a perfect day and perfect wedding. Congratulations to the happy couple!!! They did a great job planning their wedding and we all had a great time. I'm sure there will be more pictures to share when Dortha gets home. I have not figured out how to use picasa to get all the pictures we took on the blog-so I hope you enjoy these!!

Vicky