It has been so long...and I still have very little to interest you with. I will fill you in on what has been going on and then you will agree.

We did go to Denver for Easter. I was great having all of our kids and grandkids together for a few days. We just hung around for 4 days at Tyler and Mindy's house and they feed us! Mindy did an incredible job in the food prep arena and stayg relaxed as we trash her home and even pulled off an amazing Easter feast. The time went way too fast and then we had to say goodbye again..I hate that part of loving people so much. I hate being so far away from them.

Fred and I drove to Denver. We were making our way along just fine except that I was complaining about the lack of bathrooms along the route we took. (If you know me you know this is important!! haha) We finally came to a rest area that looked from the untrained eye to be just fine....until we got closer....there were signs posted reading "Warning, Beware of Snakes!!!" I decided that I am never drinking anything in the car ever again and then we will never need to stop! I, also, decided at that point that I like flying better. I flew home.

The rest of the month has been quiet. We are busy with our care group that has grown to be quite large now. Meg is going back to school in the fall. Fred is busy making our back yard gorgeous and it really is so beautiful. Violet comes regularly to entertain us and play in the yard. Annie is just so sweet. She had really become her own little person, making noises, laughing etc. The girls are so cute..just go to Erin and Callie's blogs to confirm.

We went camping with some families from our church and it was wonderful. We camped up at a lake close to home and got to kayak a bit though it was windy on the water and you really had to work hard. The weather was perfect camping weather, warm during the day and cool at night. Next time I will remember to close all the valves on the air mattress and I bet we will like it even better :).

We are looking forward to a DC trip for a wedding and then down to Virginia Beach for another wedding. Then, to Colorado for the long awaited wedding of Mary Beth Longtine! It will be fun to be able to attend all of these occasions and celebrate with these girls that we love so much. Meg will be with us for all of them, which is always a treat for me as she is busy and I often don't get to see her as much as I would like.

Ok, now that you now agree that my life is lacking in interest, I will end. I hope to have something exciting to write about soon!! :)

"Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you....
In the cover of your presence you hide them
from the plots of men;
you store them in your shelter
from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the Lord,
for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me" Ps. 31

I have spent the day going back to Ps.31 over and over. I have found great comfort in these truths of scripture, but tonight as I was listening to my audio guy read this Psalm I felt faith rising up in me as these verses were read and reread. God's goodness is abundant (present in great quantity, fully sufficient; plentiful; in copious supply), and He stores His goodnesses up for us and protects them with His presence and no one and no thing can change the good things God has for us. No failure on my part or someone else's, no plans or schemes of men can change the goodness God has already planned for me. Isn't that an amazingly comforting truth???!!! It silences all the what ifs and all the if onlys and it takes my eyes off of the situations and places them on the Lord. There are many twists and turns in this life that we never would have expected, but they cannot and will not prevent the Lord's goodness from overflowing to us and nothing can stop Him from being steadfast with His love toward us. Nothing.

Help!!

I need your help!! I used to have a computer program entitled "Mangia" (eat in Italian) that I had my recipes in. With this program I could plan my meals and print out my grocery list. But, that was over 10 years ago and I no longer have it and it is not made anymore. Does anyone use a program where you can input your recipes, plan meals and have it generate your grocery list?

Also, just 9 more days till we get to see Tyler and Mindy!!! WOOHOO!!

This past month has been fun for us due to a steady rotation of company. I love having people come stay with us and so I have been really enjoying the past weeks as one guest after another arrives. In February the Shanks came for a real visit, no work involved!!! We just hung out, shopped, ate, played and chatted. They got to meet our sweet Annie and got to know Violet better. It is always so great to have someone stay with you who knows you well. I love coffee in the morning just sitting in PJ's visiting with a dear, lifelong friend. Here is Janis with my baby girls:
After the Shanks left, we had several different waves of singles come for various reasons. Then My mom and dad came at the same time that our niece Becca came to visit. The weather had been gorgeous for about 2 weeks and then it rained and was cold the whole time they were here! But, they came for family fun and that is what they got. we all hung out everyday enjoying the little girls. It was their first time seeing Annie! Violet warmed up right away which was a huge treat. Mom and Dad took her to ride the carousel and to the Disney Store. It was so cute to see how excited a 21 month old can get over horsies and Mookey House (mickey mouse). We hung out and had dinner together every night and played lots of games. I loved having them here. Now, we have a 10 day break and then more guests! It is truly a delight to be able to have people come and enter into our lives with us. Beeeeg Papa and Annie


Becca and V

Relentless Grace

Since the middle of January, our church (Grace Church of Frisco), has been in a series on the relentless grace of God. We are studying the the book of Genesis, the lives of the patriarchs. Over and over we are seeing how, regardless of human failure, God's grace triumphs and accomplishes the will of God. Every week the main message is the same and yet every week I am freshly aware of God's grace as if it is all new to me. Week after week I am awed that in spite of me, God's will will continue to be accomplished in my life and the lives of others and even my sin will not thwart His plan.

Here are 2 thoughts I have meditated on that were in my notes:
"No sin can stop the grace of God. He works through the sinful choices of man. The way of God will not be explained, it is to make us marvel at God's plan."
"God uses sinful man to fulfill His redemptive purpose. Mercy triumphs over sin."

My thinking says "You erred and so now things will not go according to the good plan of God."
God's character says "I knew you would sin, my will goes forth in spite of it. I am good and powerful and I will have my way."

God's grace IS relentless (persistent, never ceasing). He never stops working and acting on our behalf. He knows we are frail and weak and yet, He still delights to carry about His good plan for us. Isn't it so reassuring to know that we are not as powerful as we thought and we don't have to rely on our own successes and isn't it comforting to be reminded of how incredibly amazing God's grace is?

Springtime work!

It has been a very mild winter this year and I think spring is almost here! We have enjoyed getting the yard cleaned up a bit and ready for us to be out there more often. Today we had our helper Violet over to help plat some new pansies. She loves to smell the flowers and play in the dirt. I just love her!


On Fridays I have Annie Kate for most of the day. She is so sweet with her smiles and her giggles that require so much work! Friday she was especially cute as she tried to spit at us!! Her tongue is sticking out as she imitates me doing raspberries!!! I could not imagine life without her!!!

Swagbucks

I have been using Swagbucks as my search on the internet lately. You earn points for using them. After 50 or so points you cash them in for gift cards or items. In a week I earned a Starbucks gift card. If you want to earn something for your time online use the link I have here to learn more!


http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=329815

Just Another Day for an Old Mimi!!

So, this morning I woke before the Fred's alarm went off and while it was still dark. I quietly got out of bed, grabbed my glasses off the night stand, put on my slippers and headed to make the coffee. I slipped into the kitchen and turned on the pendant lights that are over the island and the first thought that comes to me is "Ahh, soft lighting is so nice in the morning." I, then, proceed to make the coffee. Then, I decide to load a few dishes and clean up from our family night the night before....second thought "Did I forget to take my contacts out last night? My vision is so blurring (happens if you wear your glasses and your contacts at the same time). No, I remember taking them out. Boy, I need to get new glasses, I cannot see." I, then, head to grab my Bible, sit down and open....I can't see, it is blurry and dark....yes folks for 10 minutes I walked around wearing regular, old, Walmart sunglasses!! I laughed so hard at myself...just wish someone was awake to have seen it all.....

Oh, and by the way, if you are doing the the fighter verse for this week, it is Deut. 6:4-5, a basic one that we probably already know..but maybe simple is good for me this week!!

Fighter Verse

Romans 14:13

"Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide to never put a
stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother."

I decided to use Tim Challies' fighter verses for my memorization this year. He emails it on Monday. You can choose either a verse a week program or one that memorizes larger pieces of Scripture over a longer period of time. I am a wimp, I chose the short ones, but I will not despise the day of small beginnings! If you want to join me, let me know. It would be fun to know who is doing it!

Thy Word Have I (want to have) Hid In My Heart

As I began this New Year, I listened to some teachings on basic biblical disciplines. Piper is a great source, at the end and beginning of each year, for teaching on prayer and the Word. I was freshly provoked to pray more by his teaching on Dec. 28th and then very provoked to work on scripture memorization on the following week's teaching. In it, John Piper recites Scripture by memory for probably 20 minutes maybe more! Amazing! I am sure he could have gone on longer. I would have lasted about 90 seconds and all of mine would have been like "children obey your parents.." I recently studied Ps. 119. There are many verses in this one chapter, that teach the importance of and power in knowing God's word.

I, also, have often recalled a story my dear friend Arlynn told me many years ago. She shared with me that as her grandma's health was declining and her mind fading, the word of God was coming forth from her grandma's mouth. Arlynn challenged me to consider the thought that some day we may not have full control of what we say (as if I do now!) and what is in our hearts will surely come out. I shutter to think of every thought of mine being laid bare for all to hear. But, if it is God's word that is stored in our hearts, then what a blessed time that will be. For when I can no longer think clear enough to watch my words and my thoughts flow into words regardless of what they are, I want my words to honor the Lord.

I, also, think of the great benefit it would be to me right now to have God's word ever with me to equip, guide, comfort and defend. If every time I had a condemning thought, a worry, and unkind judgment etc. I faced it with the Word, think of the victories that would occur. Sin would be stopped dead in its tracks. Instead of all the things I could think about, I would think of how great and mighty my God is. How kind and sovereign He is. How He has given me everything I need for life and godliness. How He delights in me, loves me and empowers me. There is so much I could say here.

So, I am looking into a memorization program. I think I might use Piper's Fighter Verses, but I am not sure. Any suggestions? What have you found helpful?

Retreating

This Thursday I will get to go on a personal retreat. I will have 3 days to myself to pray and read and worship and plan. The Lord has given me a sense of anticipation as this year begins and I want to really seek Him for what He has for me this year. I have a couple of books I am taking and some teachings on my Ipod to listen to. I want to download some new worship music to take with me so that is where I need your help. Do any of you have a favorite worship CD or two that you could recommend? I have one I am leaning toward, but I thought I would ask. Also, if you have any recommendations of teachings or reading material that has really served you lately, I would love to hear about it. What is life to you right now?

Just Wait!

That has been the theme since the beginning of this year. It seems that every morning the Lord is reminding me to wait on Him. In my pride, I usually think I should do something about situations that don't seem right or situations I don't like. (notice these are situations I thing need to change, not the Lord). Like maybe I should mention them to someone involved..or someone not involved...or maybe I should fix it or share my keen insight and then surely it will be fixed...or maybe I should encourage someone along in something so it all happens quicker, after all isn't sooner better than later? I am amazed at how fast my mind works to "figure out" how to get things to go how I think they should, yet I can't remember where I slipped my keys! Yet, even with all my wisdom :) the Lord tells me to WAIT!

If you have known me very long you know that I am not one to relax and let things go. Sitting still is hard for me, I don't even like to sit through a movie. But, it would seem those days are ending. I think the Lord is really after me to just wait on Him in everything do, but especially in the areas that are bothering me that I want to somehow fix. It is so funny because I know I really can't change the things that mean the most to me, but I am so tempted to try.

Yet, each morning the Lord has told me to wait. Wait for him to do it all. Wait for him to accomplish His purpose in my life and those around me. Wait for strength. Wait for deliverance. Wait for resolution and an end to contempt. Wait for His action. Wait and sit back and watch Him work His amazing, perfect will. Wait in anticipation of the wonderful things He has for us. Wait with joy. This is all so hard for me, but I so want to do it right and honor the Lord and I can so look back and see how my trying to make things better often doesn't. Ultimately, it comes down to who do I trust? Myself or my amazing God who reigns over every single situation and circumstance and never allows anything to thwart His will for me? (the answer sounds so obvious, but is so hard) Anyway, that is the beginning of my year. I sure would appreciate your prayers if I come to your mind. I really want to sit still and just trust God. And I really do look forward to seeing what He does this year in our lives!

New Year"s Eve

Happy New Year!! This year Megan and Hosanna decided to host a party at our house for all their single friends and a few married couples. Our home was transformed with metallic stars, tulle, twinkle lights and all sorts of festive decor for about 50 people. It was beautiful! One of the evening's events was a talent/no talent show. I thought you would enjoy Meg, Hosanna and Erin's talent!

New Dresses for the Cousins!!!!

It was so sweet! The girls have matching Christmas dresses and they wore them to church and to Mimia's (me) house on Sunday evening. We took literally over 100 pictures and mine did not really turn out, but here they are. Annie seems to be able to sleep through anything! (do you like her hair color??) She is so sweet! I anticipate loads of fun with Violet as we open gifts on Christmas Eve. As this year comes to a close I am so grateful to the Lord for these two little girls who have been such a delight to me!!

Violet's Little Words!!

Welcome Sweet Annie

Annie Kate has arrived!! Callie gave birth to her first baby on Saturday morning at 12:44 after about 7 hours of labor. It was amazing! Annie is so sweet. She favors the Payne family the most, though we think she has Callie's eyes and maybe her chin, but the shape of her precious face and the general look reminds us of Tim. Her hair is lighter than I imagined, but I only had dark haired babies. Her eye are blue for now, but I bet they will change. She is perfect!

I am so aware of the great blessings in my life. As I sit here this morning I am so aware of how kind the Lord has been to me. Oh, how different it all could be. Today I will go to church and worship with a heart filled with gratitude and awe for a God that loves to lavish His children with tremendous gifts that they could have never earned. Amazing!

I am sure there will be lots of pictures on Callie's blog, Erin's blog and Megan's facebook. Enjoy! ( I know this is a bad pic, but it will have to do!)

Thanksgiving Part 2

Well, everyone has gone home. The beds are stripped, the floors are washed, the leftovers are devoured and it is a bit too quiet around here! We had so much fun with the Lawler clan this weekend, we cannot wait for their return! Since, Tyler's request was that we had a low key weekend we spent most of the time at home. Erin, Dru, Violet, Tim and Callie were here just about every waking moment. We ate alot, played Wii alot, Blockus, Pit, Settlers and Farkle. We had a movie night and a round of disc golf. Trying to pick the pictures to capture the weekend is a hard task, but I will l try.

Wii watchers!!


Erin feeding Dru..notice the sweet potatoes flying in the
background and Violet covering her face!!!

Tyler showing affection to Mindy!



A round of Settlers....



Our guests of Honor.....



Dustin and Megan showcasing the layered Jello that took then 4 days to make!!?? A basic cooking class coupon will be in their stockings this Chrsitmas.

Thanksgivng Part 1

I don't have time to write about much this morning, but one of my joys this weekend is having the Lawlers and Tyler and Mindy here. It has been so great and I don't want them to go home!! Tyler and Mindy were also here a month ago and both then and now Violet has not really warmed up to Uncle Tyler. So, yesterday Tyler made a valiant effort to enter her world and win her heart. The pictures tell it all.....
He looks like a giant in the playhouse!!! His hard work paid off..Violet sat with him later that evening!!

More Thanksgiving updates later!

Been Tagged

I've been tagged..here's my photo....

This great photo of Tim ,Callie and Meg :) was taken in Nov. 2004 at Grandma and Grandpa Payne's house. It was Thanksgiving, Katy Korday had just called and said she was engaged!! Our family and the Payne's had spent the night there and had a wonderful holiday. Boy it seems long ago!!!!

Ok, I tag Jen Pazdur, Nancy Mandl, Lynette Myers, Michelle Tombrella and Christina Saull.

This is a Picture Tag and here's what the rules were:

Go to your Pictures file

Go to the 5th folder

Open the 5th picture and post it

Tag 5 people when you're done.

Catch Up Time!

Violet's first kayak trip!


Well, the whole month is almost gone and I have barely thought about this blog. We started the month off with a camping trip to Lake Ray Roberts. The days were perfect and the nights were cold, which I think makes camping sort of fun. We took our kayaks with us and enjoyed a little spin! I am really looking forward to more time on the lakes here. We had a group that came and spent the nights with us and then a group that came to spend the day on Saturday. It was so fun to be out there and relax. I think we will be doing this more often!

Her thoughtful taste of chocolate

We are getting ready to have Tyler and Mindy come for Thanksgiving and the Lawler's (Mindy's family) are coming too! It has been since 2004 since all my kids were with us for Thanksgiving dinner, so I am really thrilled. I am also hoping that the turkey puts Callie into labor and the baby comes that weekend. I was in the hospital for 2 births on Thanksgiving, so maybe it is hereditary!!!

Christmas shopping is well under way. Since the baby is due in the first part of December, Callie called for all wish lists to be submitted early which got all of us going early. We are still doing our traditional Day after Thanksgiving early morning shopping trip, but I wont have much left by then.

Laughing at her silly Papa!!

Our church is doing a series entitled, "Think Big." It is on living for something greater than yourself. If you have time, download (click here)the podcast and give it a listen. Craig just did the first in the series on Sunday and it was excellent. Our care group is growing and I love the people we have in it. The girls all seem to really enjoy one another and I am looking forward to building friendships with them.

Violet continues to be a complete delight to all of us. I get to have here on Wednesdays and I enjoy every minute of the day. I love hearing her call me when she wakes up or when she needs a treat!! (a healthy one of course) I go by "Mimi" but she calls me Mimia! So cute! Erin used to call me Mommia, so it must be in the genes. I can only imagine how much fun it will be to have 2 grandkids! (or more T & M)!!!

Well, I better get to my devotions. I used the online audio chronological ESV Bible plan (click here.) The guy reads the Word to me and I read along. It helps me to concentrate better. Well, recently, they must have fired the guy they use to have and they got a new guy. So, one morning I begin to listen and it is a new voice!! It was so weird! I kept feeling like I was missing someone!! It was hard to follow along. I miss the old guy and to top it off, the new guy makes mistakes sometimes and does not use his voice to make it interesting! I wonder if they knew how much difficulty I would suffer by them getting rid of the old guy!!