Our European Traveler

Please forgive the fuzzy picture. When my children hold my camera, they can't seem to help but to change the settings! But there is still a beautiful young lady in the picture- so I thought I would share it anyway! I enjoyed having Courtney with us, if only for a day. We tried to pack as much as possible into our day. Well, I hope everyone has a great weekend- I've got to run to Orlando for a day. So I shouldn't miss reading our blog too much. Kristen got her hair cut yesterday, and she looks adorable. She decided to save her own money and get highlights. It's a little more than I would have chosen, but she looks very cute. And that's not a battle I intend to fight. I promised her I would let her post her picture. Love to all - Darla

They Need Cookies!!!

Ummmmmm!!!

Cookies & Kisses

A home should have a cookie jar

for when it's half three

And children hurry home from school

as hungry as can be.

There's nothing quite so splended

in filling children up

As spicy fluffy cup cakes

and sweet milk in a cup.

A home should have a Mother

waiting with a hug

No matteer what a boy brings home

a puppy or a bug.

For children only loiter

when the bell rings to dismiss

If no one is home to greet them

with a cookie and a kiss.

Happy Birthday, Ryan

Happy Birthday, Ryan

Ryan, this is YOUR day and I hope you have a very happy one. I could not find the picture I wanted to post and this one is not too appropriate, but it says, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" and that is what I wish for you. Also, I wish for you, blessings in the future. What ever your plans are, I know God will bless you when you trust in Him.

My love and prayers,

Grandmother

We Have Sunshine!!!

~Sunshine and Flowers~

Oh, what a beautiful morning--sunny with a chill in the air. We haven't seen the sun for so long, we are blessed today!!! Yesterday was a day for storms. They fell all around us but all we had was rain and wind. Several, only 30 miles away, lost their homes and businesses. Each time we experience storms, we realize we could be the ones who suffer injury and damage and each time we are spared, we give God thanks and praise, realizing our lives and protection are in His hands.

Can you believe today is April Fool's Day? Well, I don't care for pranks but I just wonder where March went. Seems such a short time ago when I posted the March birthdays. Now it is time for the April birthdays and anniversaries. We have several who need special recognition this month.

And they are:

Birthdays:

Ryan.........................April 2nd

Andrea......................April 18th

Jessica # 2.................April 20th

Scott.........................April 25th

Miss Molly................April 27th

Ronald......................April 28th

Anniversaries:

Scott and Heather......April 24th

May the month of April be good to everyone. We hope Ron and Vicky are enjoying their basking in the sun this week in Jamaica. I wonder if they are feeling just a little guilty about their week of "R & R" in the sunshine while the rest of us are left here in the rain and the cold???. (Rains are to resume tomorrow through-out the rest of the week!!) Well, they deserve a break from the office and they are fortunate to have Keith who can take care of things while they are away. We are happy for them.

Love you,

Dortha

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!