Chilson Family

Where has 2011 gone?  I am sure you have asked the same question.  Well, I am sure it is "gone" just like every year--quickly.  I remember as a child that a year lasted FOREVER! Or so it seemed.  As I got older it seemed to go by quicker.  Now at 47, staring 48 in the face, all I need to do is write the family birthdays on the calendar and WHAM!, we are into the New Year. So, do you have New Year's resolutions?  Better yet, do you keep your resolutions?  I use to make resolutions just to fall from it within a month, a week, or even a day.  No New Year's resolutions for me.  I know that I will fall short of them.   Our associate pastor was telling us in church Wednesday evening, he does not make New Year's resolutions.  He wants to do what the Lord would have him to do every day.  The more I thought on that the more I thought, "Isn't that what we should be doing."  What makes a new year so special that we have to w...

Today is Daughter #1's birthday!  She is 23 years old!  She is expecting her first little bundle in just the next couple of weeks!  Secretly, okay, not such a secret, I am hoping for today--she doesn't want to share her birthday!  (sorry kiddo, secret is out of the bag!)  "Ditter-Do, here is wishing you a terrific 23rd birthday!  We love you and can't wait for you to have your new little one to hold!"

Thought I would share a couple of photo's of Son #2 and family.  We received these two pictures as a Christmas present!  We had a wonderful Chilson Christmas! (Although we were sad to be without two of the grandchildren and Daughter #1 and her hubby.) Son and Daughter-in-law #2 with Granddaughter #1 This picture was of Granddaughter #1 'spilling' out of a gift box! (she always has her fist in her face!) *********** Here is a picture of Grandson's #1 and #2 with Granddaughter #1

Today is Christmas Eve.  There will lots of hustle and bustle today.  The children and their families will be here around one this afternoon.  There is still lots of work to be done in the kitchen.  I'm not too worried.  They can't eat until I get it done! This will be the first Christmas without my mother.  We had my father over for lunch yesterday.  He seemed to have a good time.  That is until we said how much we missed Mom. That was it, he was ready to go home.  I know he is suffering.  Though he is almost 83, he was one of her main caregivers along with my sister.  My parents were married for fifty-eight years. Different people have comforted me during these past few weeks.  My sorrow is great, but I keep most of it hidden.  I believe my mother is in heaven.  She accepted Christ as her personal Savior many years ago.  She believed that Jesus, God's ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, came to earth as ...

Today Daughter #7 turns, well...SEVEN!  *smile*  So hard to believe, my baby is SEVEN! She is the last of my premature babies.  She was born eight weeks early and NO problems following her birth!  Of course she thought she was ready to come at 24 weeks and I spent seven weeks on bed rest.  She weighed a little over 4 pounds.  We still spent close to eight weeks in the NICU, but it was an uneventful stay! Daughter #7 has asked for a couple of years to have her ears pierced.  I was pretty certain she was not ready for it.  So after explaining how it would be done, I slightly pinched her earlobe so she could feel what it would "feel" like.  That was enough for her she kept putting it off, until recently.  No swaying her, she said she was ready!  So we went to our semi-local "W" store to get her ears pierced for her birthday!  We did it yesterday so she could wake up and already have her birthday gift! Such a brave litle ...

Tonight was our church Christmas Cantata.  It was beautiful.  The choir worked hard and I think we were able to be a blessing to some people tonight.  It's always kind of sad when it comes to an end, but next year's cantata is not that far away!!!  {Well, if  you like to plan a bit ahead it's not far away!}  We also had a dessert fellowship afterwards.  It is a lot of work for the kitchen help, but always worth it.  Hubby and I like to watch as people go through the line.  Love watching how everyone interacts with one another.  I think everyone had a good time. The Pastor's Fellowship that our family helped serve was wonderful!  We had plenty of food and know the partakers of the meal were well fed and did not leave hungry!  I always count it a blessing when our family can help out.  We may not be able to give large sums of money, but we have plenty of hands that can be of help in a number of ways! At last, this evenin...

Life has been a bit busy here at home.  We, or should I say "I", am trying to get back to a normal life since Thanksagiving and Mother's death.  I am having a hard time.  I feel like I am just spinning my wheels. I have a couple of pictures to share.  Here are three of my grandbabies!  The two young men belong to Son #1 and  the young lady belongs to Son #2. Grandson #1, Granddaughter #1, Grandson #2 We kept our granddaughter over night Sunday!  (Son #2 took his wife out for her birthday.)  It has been a couple of years since I have  had to get up for middle of night feedings!!!!  It was worth every bit!  Love my grandbabies! This is what you get to look forward to if you get your school work done first! (Daughter #4 with Granddaughter #1) Christmas is right upon us.  We still do not have our tree up or gifts bought.  I know!  I still have one birthday BEFORE Christmas and...

I have been following another blog--go figure!  (really, I don't sit and follow  blogs all day!  I have a few fave that I check almost daily, or rather nightly) I have been following In the Nursery of the Nation .  I have enjoyed this blog--yep, stay at home mom and home schooling mom blog.  Bambi is having a Vision Forum $50 giveaway. Check it out here .  You might be the lucky one and win.  Wouldn't that be a fun, early Christmas present for yourself?!

...and you want to share a picture, you "borrow" your best friend's picture!  We had the bestest time at a friend's home for an annual Christmas brunch.   Love you Girls!  What a grand time and wonderful memories!!!!!  Thanks Bonnie!  You're a terrific hostess! Jody, Bonnie, Yours Truly Amy (my sis), Lisa, and Kathy (the best Stampin' Up! demonstrator in the world!!)

I "grabbed" this photo off one of my children's face book.  There are still 7 grands missing from this picture!  (I think this was taken with a camera on a phone, will see if there one not so blurry!)

Tomorrow is my mom's funeral.  It will be the last time I see her sweet precious face until I reach heaven's shores.  Tomorrow 31 of her 39 grandchildren will be singing "Victory in Jesus".  (In our family there are no in-laws.  You marry into the family, that's it, you are family.  So out of the 39 grands and great-grands 8 have married into the family!)  The grands were practicing tonight, and I could have sworn that I saw Mom's 'smile' getting bigger.  Okay, maybe not, but if it could have it would have.  Yep, she would be proud. I know she is not here, but I just have to say it, "I love you, Mommy!"

I have been to one of my favorite blogs!  "A Joyful Chaos" has a fun little give away going on.  It is a Memory card game.  This has some very sweet country scenes on it.  LOVE IT!  Love the memory game, but my nesters are putting me to shame!  Must be I am getting old!  Why not hop on over to "A Joyful Chaos"  and see what's going on!

My Mother's Gentle Love by Ron Hamilton Who puts a band-aid on my knee? Who holds me close so tenderly? Who always sees the best in me? There’s no one like mother. Who always wipes my tears away? Who tells me I’ll be great some day? Who cares in such a gentle way? There’s no one like mother. My mother’s gentle love, my mother’s gentle love Has taught me of God’s tender care, and turned my eyes above. I’ll bless her all my days for all her gentle ways. Oh, how I thank my Lord above for my mother’s gentle love. Today is my mother's viewing, and tomorrow is her funeral.  The song above so much describes my mom.  She loved her four children so very much!  Before she had children, she was a nurse for "special care" babies~~"old" term for NICU.  Once she started having children she gave  up her career to stay at home and raise her own babies. Thanks, Mom! Thank you, Daddy, for allowing Mom to stay at home and raise us four children! My mother and her mo...

Wow.  Tomorrow is December first.  November has gone by so fast, even with the events of the last five days.  Tomorrow will be Mom's showing, Friday will be her funeral.  Then we start a new normal, which will be the hardest on my sister and dad.  I am sure Daddy is feeling a bit lost because he is home and her medical bed and pumps are there and she is not. So, last day of November...I am thankful for my Bible.  My precious Word of God.  It brings comfort, conviction and love.  To think that I hold in my hands the history of mankind.  The past, present and future all rolled up in one history book...His story!  If I did not have my precious Bible I don't know what I would do. Thank you God for your precious Word!

I am thankful for a wonderful sister.  We spent the entire day together yesterday.  We went with my daddy and two brothers to make funeral arrangements for my mom.  We needed to pick out an outfit for her and my sis ended up getting some new outfits also.  We had a "family" lunch, daddy and the four siblilngs. It was a hard day, but God's grace saw us through. Just a side note, I called home to have one of the older daughters start supper.  Son #5, who is 15, said he would do it.  So I gave him step by step instructions on reheating turkey and making stuffing-from a box :)-hoping no one would ask for gravy.  Ah, but without fail Son #6, my gravy boy, asked for gravy.  So with careful instructions I walked Son #5 through making gravy from scratch.  Guess what--he did it and the family enjoyed it!!!  It really was pretty good!  Way to go Son!  Sister, I am thankful for a day together doing just what sist...

I am thankful for a loving God who is good all the time.

I am thankful for the Red Cross.  Have you ever had to rely on them before?  This is the first time we ha ve needed their services.  My mother passed away today about 3:10 pm.  We spent the last 26 hours at the hospital taking turns in and out of her room.  (I will post another time about that.) When we realized that Mother's health was declining qicker than we thought, we had to make a decision to get a hold of the Red Cross to bring our daughter home from Fort Bragg, NC, where she is stationed in the Army.  She is expecting a baby in mid-January and knew we had to be quick to get her home before her air travel was restricted.  But too soon and the RC could deny travel until Mother was worse. Daughter #1 came into the hospital at 1:45 this morning.  She got to spend time with her Granny and be in the presence of Jesus when He called Mother home. I am very thankful to the Red Cross for their help.

I am thankful that I have been able to sleep in the last three days!  I am usually up and getting my day started at 5:20, but with a long weekend and no school I decided to sleep!  Today is the longest I have slept in-7:40.  Of course, I still have at least three nesters that greet me as I walk down the hall an my day is off and running. Hmm...a busy house early.  Yes, I am blessed.  I have a healthy family who needs to eat, need clothes cleaned and mended, needs to be reminded to put their clothes away and that does not mean leaving them on the bed, are being taught daily how to keep house and why we keep house.  Yep, they are normal and they are my God-given responsibility!  Days to sleep in...yes, I am thankful for that!

Today Daughter-in-law #2 has a birthday!  Son #2 is taking her out to dinner and we get to babysit!  Not only do we get to babysit, we get her ALL NIGHT!!!!!!!  Happy Birthday Daughter! We love you!!!!!

I am thankful for pay day!  I was able to go to to the grocery store this afternoon.  It is always a relief to know there is food in the icebox and on the shelves.  Food is so expensive! Not to mention laundry detergent! {not complaining, just making a statement!}   I am trying to figure out how Tide has taken a $3 plus jump in two weeks.  Doesn't not  matter if it is liquid or powder, the price is always up and down.  I have to pretty much stick to Tide because of one daughter itches if I use something else. (occasionally I can get away with using Gain, but only for a short time.)  Anyway, I am thankful that I have food to put on the table.  God is good all the time, and all the time God is good!

Well, the day is done, but the thankfulness goes on and on.  We had a full house today.  We had 20 here for the supper hour.  Our traditional Thanksgiving dinner consist of fried chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, homemade dinner rolls and salad.  Unfortunately, this year I forgot the salad fixings!!!  Hmm...how did that happen?  Traditional dessert is pumpkin pie, banana bars with homemade cream cheese frosting, brownie and chocolate chip cookies.  This year we added a strawberry pie, cherry pie, a peanut butter cookie  bar, lemon cake balls, and home made cherry mash!  Do you remember the cherry mash candy from years ago???  Hubby's favorite!  Daughter-in-law #3 made them!!!  Okay, so the desserts out numbered the meal!! So, what do you do when you have the ages of children from 26 to 3 years old?  You get all the Nerf guns you can find, and swim noodles that have been made into light sabers,...

I thankful for godly parents.  I am thankful that someone took the time to invite them to church.  I can say, as a second grader, I was less than thrilled in going since I would not know anyone there.  But it soon became a part of my life--three times a week.  I am thankful that serving and worshipping God were an important part of their lives and they lived at home what they lived at church!  I am thankful that in their old age, even with Mother bed-ridden and Daddy moving slower, they have been faithful to God.  They have been prayer warriors for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mother and Daddy, I am so very thankful for you!!!!!  Thank you for leaving us a godly heritage to follow!! 

Love following blogs!  One of the blogs I follow is Laura at littlearrows.blogspot.com .  She has a great little giveaway to celebrate her five years of blogging.  Why not hop on over to her blog and not only check out her little give away *an adorable had made hat for a newborn*, but see what she and her little family have been up to.  I always come away glad that I stopped by.

I am thankful for good health.  I have been having chest pains fairly regular.  I went to see a heart doctor yesterday.  I told him how I was feeling and what I had been experiencing.  He told me that I had every symptom of heart disease.  They were able to get me in for a stress test right away.  {good thing, because if I had to come back for it I would have found a reason to cancel it.}  After an ultrasound of my heart--yes I do have a heart :-)--stress test and more ultrasound pictures he told me that my likelyhood of having heart disease is very, very low.  My heart and vessels were normal.  I still need to keep a check on the pains and if they become regular or worsen that I need to come back and have a heart cath.  My blood pressure is a bit high, could be reason for some of the symptoms.  (usually I carry a low bp and if it is normal it is too high.) Yes, I am thankful for good health.  So, what excuse should I use if ...

I am thankful for rubber stamps, card stock, ink, scissors, cutting/scoring tools and adhesives!  Silly things to be thankful for, I know.  I love to stamp, I love to create.    I am also thankful for a Stampin' Up! demonstrator that is the top of the tops!  She warm, wonderful  and creative.  She loves what she does and sharing with others.   (still waiting on the brayering technique.  **wink, wink** kathy!)  Her stamp clubs are fun and I stamp with the best "Thumpers"!  Stamping, creating, yes I am thankful.  It is my "ahhh" in life.

I was blog hopping and came across a Gratitude Challenge at littlenaturalcottage.com . Okay, I like a challenge, so I am going to take it.  Let's see...ten days, no complaining, and I am seeing a heart doctor for chest pains tomorrow.  Hmmm...

I am thankful for friends.  I am thankful for good friends.  You know the kind, the ones that stick with you no matter what.  (Kind of like peanut butter and jelly.)  They listen and know your heart.  You can go without seeing them for a while and pick up right where you left off. Hey friends, I am thankful for you!

I came across a very interesting video on one of the blogs I follow.  If you are a parent you will not want to miss this video.  Do you think you know what is best for your child?  There are some who do not think as you do.  Click on this link:: http://www.abowlofmossandpebbles.com/?p=5387 You might be surprised in what you see.

I am thankful for the freedom to attend the church of my choice.  I am thankful that I can attend church three times a week, and hold God's Word in my hands and read it.  I  am thankful and unashamed to be a Baptist.      I am thankful that 391 years ago men, women, and their families made the journey across the ocean, so they could worship God as they felt led by His Word.  They suffered many hardships and persecutions.  Life was not easy and would not be easy.  I am thankful for those who would not give in and renounce their faith in God and what His Word said.  Even in the face of beatings, torture and burning at the stake, they remained true. Freedom to worship...I am very thankful for that.  What about you?  

I am thankful for grandchildren.  My hubby and I have been blessed with six grandchildren and a new one-to-be, due mid-January.  It is so nice to see how my grown children parent their nesters, and how my younger nesters interact with their neices and nephews! Grandbabies...Mammi loves you and is thankful for each one of you!

I am thankful that I have the freedom to home educate my children.  Home education seems to have become popular in the last several years.  But it has not always been that way.  {But that is a topic for another day.} I must say that when someone first suggested that I think about home education I said, "There is no way that I could do that."  I did not think I was "smart" enough and I had not really had heard  much about schooling at home.  We sent our two oldest to a K-5 program at a local Christian school.  It was for about 3 hours a day, they studied the three "R's", and was only about $100 a month for both.  Then the Lord began to convict me.  I was willing to let Him to determine the size of my family, we had five children at the time, but I wasn't trusting Him fully in every area of my life.  I went back to my friend and talked more about schooling at home.  She was the greatest resource and my biggest cheerleade...

I am thankful for my daughter-in-laws and son-in-law.  I am thankful that they love my sons and daughter unconditionally.  I am thankful that my children love their spouses and are willing to work on their marriages.  Marriage is hard work.  I am glad that Hubby and I have been able to give them and example to follow.  We are not perfect by any means.  But we made a commitment 28 years ago to love, honor, and obey (in my vows to him), in all things--sickness, health, poor, wealth, good, bad and the ugly. Thank you Daughter's and Son who are part of our family because you married into the family.  Thank you for loving my sons and daughter.  You are a blessing to our family and I am thankful for you!!!!

I am thankful for Daughter #7.  She is the caboose of our children.  She was born at 31 weeks.  My only preemie with no complication at all!  {I was on bed rest with her for seven weeks.} She is very full of life.  She has the largest imagination and thinks she is a true princess.  Her daddy told her one day that all little girls are their daddy's princess.  So, she truly believes she is royalty, "because Daddy said so".  Watch out Princess Catherine! :-)   She decided when she was three that she wanted to grow out her hair to her ankles...she will be seven in December, so this was before "Tangled", and she never heard of Rapunzel.  Her hair is now about 5-6 inches above the back of her knees.  Will it get to her ankles??...we'll see. I love you Daughter and I am thankful for you!

I am thankful for Son #7, who just happens to be child #13.  I spent 4 weeks on bed rest in the hospital before he came into this world at 32 weeks with no complications.  He went through his NICU period without too many set backs and he came home at 36 weeks with no monitors!   He was home less than 48 hours  when he coded on us.  A blessing for us Daughter #2, she was 11 at the time, wanted to hold him because he was "fussy".  She gave him to me because she thought he was hungry.  As I was trying to nurse him I realized he had gone limp and was blue.  Not a problem, we were use to "blue babies".  But he didn't "pink up", he went gray.  Daughter #2 went to get my neighbor as I called 911.  We started CPR but there was nothing to him, no pulse, no heart beat, nothing.  We continued CPR until the firemen and paramedics arrived.  When they scooped him up to work on him, Son let out a smal...

I am thankful for Daughter #6.  She was a micro preemie, born at 28 weeks, weighing 2 pounds 9 ounces.  She is truly a miracle baby.  We got to watch out of the womb what takes place in the womb.  AMAZING!!!  What an awesome God we serve!  She spent three months in the NICU.  She was on oxygen until she was 18 months, and stayed and on a heart and apnea monitor until she was two.  She was our "blue baby"--named because she was always turning blue.   {Son #3 became a respiratory therapist because he watched his baby sister being rescued so many times.  He even knew what to do when he was in the NICU with me one day when her monitor went off and she was blue.  It just came natural. The RT told him he saved his baby sister and he was a natural.  Of course the RT stepped in and checked her over to make sure she was okay.} Daughter #6 is healthy and a normal ten year old!  I love you Daugh...

Today is my wonderful hubby's birthday!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART! WE LOVE YOU! 

I am thankful for Daughter #5, who just happens to be child #11.  She is a very happy child and full of life.  She is a lover and not afraid to try something new.  That has been a plus for her.  She was born with a club foot.  A lot of babies born with a club foot is due to positioning while in the womb, you know a tight space for growing babe.  But her foot was formed that was from the beginning.  Being child #11 the doctor said she had more than enough room to move.  Her toes were pointed up toward her nose.  She was in a cast, changed and foot repositioned weekly, for about 13 weeks, starting at one week old.  We used the Ponseti method.  During that time she had a heal cord release because her foot was by that time pointed down like a ballerina.  She also ended up with a half tendon transfer in her foot to pull her foot around.  To top off the surgery list she had her tibia and fibula rotated.  Wi...

Today I am thankful for Daughter #4, the twin to Son #6.  She is a very helpful child.  She loves to be at my side helping.  She will give up something she wants to do, to help me.  She is one of my early risers.  She is up at 5:20 am having her personal devotions and then ready to start school. I am thankful for you Daughter and love you very much!

Son and Daughter-in-law #2 and first born granddaughter Son and Daughter-in-law #3

Today I am thankful for Son #6, {who is a twin to Daughter #4, but today is not her day}.  He turned 13 on November third.   He loves to read!  He is so good about helping a sibling with the computer or a game.  He has a heart for other people.  He enjoys getting up with me at 5:20 am, having his personal devotions and starting his school work for the day.  He is quick to lend a hand when needed.  I love you Son and am very thankful for you!

Not long ago, October 24, I posted some pictures of a rocking chair we were redoing for Son #2 and wife.  I also added a picture of the invitation for Daughter #1's baby shower and the adorable hobby horse's to put in the cupcakes.  Well, the horse pictures didnot make it up on the blog.  I guess I was to lazy busy to fix it.  So, I decided to fix that this evening! You  may not be able to see, but we textured them with an embossing folder. Some had googlie eyes and some were small puched dots. Here are a few of them.  I think we made close to 50! Son #2 helped us "cowgirls" work on these.  It was cute watching the big hands do the little tiny work.  Let's just say he gave up on the bridles!!!! We had fun making them!  It was a lot of hard work, but well worth it! 

Today I am thankful for Son #5.  He has the sweetest spirit about him.  He recently turned 15,and it won't be much longer until he will be taller than me...he has about 3/4 of an inch to go!  He loves to tease and is helpful to his siblings, younger and older, when it comes to math! Love it! I am thankful for you Son!  I love you!

I am thankful for Daughter #3.  She was my first C-section and is child number seven.  She is truly a middle child.  If you have ever studied birth order or are a middle child you can relate to her.  She is my child that likes to cook.  One of her favorite dishes to make is fried onions.  She gives them just the right spices!  We never  have enough!  She has been a huge blessing to our youth pastor and wife on Sundays.  She watches their young son's during choir practice and any youth functions we have after church. Daughter, I love you and am very thankful for you!

I am thankful for Daughter #2.  She is engaged to be married, no date as of yet.  She is a hard worker and very responsible.  She does not know a stranger and is helpful to young and old alike.  I say she was born in the wrong era.  She loves what we call "Papa King" (my dad) music, big band like Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey.  Singers like Doris Day, Andrews Sisters, Dean Martin, and Perry Como.  She loves to read and always has her nose in a book, or two, or three.  Yep, she is unique! I love you Daughter, and I am thankful for  you!

 Chilson 14 Back Row::  Daughter #2, Daughter #1, Son #1, Son #5, Son #4, Son #3, Son #2 Middle Row::  Daughter #4 {twin},  Son # 7, Son #6 {twin}, Daughter #3, Front Row::  Daughter #7, Daughter #6, Daughter #5 There you  have it!  My 14 offspring!  This photo was taken about 20 minutes before Daughter #1 left for the airport to catch her flight home to Fort Bragg, NC.  I have a a couple of other pictures to share, but right now I need to go have a good cry!  Why does being a mommy have to hurt so much?

I am thankful for Son #4, {which is child #5}.  [you may not have noticed, but I am going in birth order of my children]  He has a heart of gold and never has met a stranger.  He is so willing to go out of his way to help others and see that they feel included. He has been very generous to allow his siblings to play on one of his gaming systems.  I love you Son #4 and am thankful for you!

I am thankful for Daughter #1.  She is in the Army, stationed at Fort Bragg, NC.  She and Son-in-law #1 are expecting their first baby in January!  I am thankful that she takes the time to drive 10 plus hours to spend time with her family! I love you Daughter #1, and I am very thankful for you!

I am thankful for Son #3.  He has always been so kind and patient with his siblings.  I remember when he was about nine or ten, Son #5 asked "Guy Guy", {a pet name #5 came up}, if he would sleep in his room with him on the floor.  Son #3 did, and so it was for the next twelve to fifteen months!  We tried to convince #3 that he needed to go to his own room, but he said he did not mind.   I am thankful for you, Son #3.  I love you!!!!

I am thankful for Son #2.  He turned 25 in April.  He and his wife have recently given us our newest grandbaby, who was born last month!  Never  have I seen such a couple so in love with their newborn.  I really think he was floating on air when he came to tell us about his new love! I am thakful that he is family minded.  { Really, all the children are.  I guess when you grow with in a large family it is hard NOT to be family minded!}  I am thankful that he takes the time to play with his younger siblings and does not see them as a bother! Son, I am so thankful for you and I love you!

This day thirteen years ago marked a first in our family...a set a twins! Today our "blue baby" and "pink baby", {so named by Daughter #3 when I was with child x 2}, turn thirteen!!!!  Official teenagers!!!!! Happy Birthday Son #6! Happy Birthday Daughter #4! 

I am thankful that God has allowed me to be a mother.  Our oldest, Son #1, will be 27 in February.  Poor thing, like most first born  children, he must feel like a "lab" experiment! (smile) Seriously, I am thankful that he is such a forgiving son.  I have not been the perfect mother and he has loved me any way.  He and his wife have five beautiful children that on occasion we get to love, hug and kiss.  I love you Son #1 and I am so thankful for you!!!

I am thankful my hubby has a job.  One year ago we were without a job or any source of income.  God saw us through those seven months, He provided and used many friends to meet our many needs.  Not only does Hubby have a job, he just recently has gone from being the associate dean to the dean of the new campus of the college he is employed.  God has been so good, because this job came directly from Him.  I am also very thankful that Hubby and I have been married 28 years!  We have fourteen beautiful children, four that have married and have families of their own giving us six, soon-to-be seven grandchildren!  He has been a great source of strength and a wonderful example to our children.

I have a couple of pictures to share.  Here is a picture of our newest grandbaby! Introducing "Mildred Millie Maude".  No, that is NOT her name.  Let's just say when Son #2 and Daughter-in-law #2 decided on a name, before she was born, I would refer to her by her name-to-be.  Not once did anyone ever correct me that I was pronouncing it wrong until about 5 days before she was born.  Dear Son asked me to repeat  her name, not once, not twice, but three times before I realized he was "making fun" of the way I was pronouncing the name. He is not the only one who poked fun at me.  I guess I put the emphasis on the wrong syllable!  So, this ol' Mammi decided to come up with a name until I can either take speech lessons and learn to pronounce it, or a nick name!   {just a side note, Son is NOT impressed with my "name" for her.  oh well, life goes on!} Here is a picture of 8 of our nesters, and "guard" dog...

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."~~John 3:16 I am so thankful for the free gift of salvation.  I am thankful that God loved me enough that He was willing to give His "only begotten Son".  I am thankful that when my earthly life is over, my soul, which is eternal, will live in heaven with Him.   I will "not perish", but live FOREVER in heaven.  What about you?  Can you say that you are thankful for a home in heaven?  You can read about God's eternal plan at   http://www.godssimpleplan.org/gsps-english.html .

Today is Son #5's 15th Birthday!!!!  He is another miracle baby for our family.  I had a  bleeding placenta with him and we were not sure if he would make it.  But God gave us a miracle and we praise Him for our son!  Happy Birthday Son #5! We love you!!!! 

Ahhh!  I actually have a few minutes, stolen ones, to 'catch up' on sharing a couple of projects. Son and Daughter-in-law had there precious little bundle on October 14.  She is amazing!  Love all the newbie of a newborn, but I do not miss the endless sleepless nights.  Maybe it is because I have been out of that for several years.  An occasional sleepless night I can handle.  So I can hardly wait to start having sleep overs!!!! Okay, here are some pictures that I have taken of the antique rocker that belonged to my great-grandmother.  We refinished it for another generation to be nursed and rocked! The Chair (I forgot to get a picture in the staining process) The Fabric The Seat (base and cushion) The Tool (yes, an electric carving knife!)  The Finished Project We were very happy with the finished project!  Here is to many babies and memories!!!!! Now for Daughter #1...here is a picture o...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHY!!!!! You are the greatest!  You have brought so much fun and creativity into my life with SU! and your creative mind! Trust your day was the greatest! (uh...gonna be a little late on the B-day card...sorry!) Hugs to you!  Love you bunches!!!! 

GRANDBABY-GIRL!!!!! Born::  14 October 2011 Time::  6:30 AM Weight::  6 pounds 5 ounces Length::  19 inches Proud Parents:: Son and Daughter-in-law #2 Feelings::  IN LOVE WITH THE MIRACLE OF IT ALL! "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:..." Psalm 139:14a

Well, I guess it has been a 'few' days since I have posted.  My days have filled with being wife, mommy, teacher, taxi driver, problem solver, seamstress, activities director, etc.  There are not enough hours in the day to get done what needs to be done.  I find myself often saying I need 48 hours to get done what I need to do in 24 hours!  Hmm...then it hit me today, I am not content!!!   In Philippians 4:11, Paul talks about being content.  The second part of the verse reads. "...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."  I guess I have not learned to be content!  I want to be content, sometimes I think I am, but it is hard! My days are spent serving others...yes, I know, as a child of God, follower of Christ that is what I am to do.  J.O.Y.  J=Jesus--He is first, O=Others--family, friends, Y=You (well, me). No surprise in serving when being a wife and momm...

I am finally gettting around to posting a family picture of  Daughter-in-law #2 shower!!! No, this is not the entire gathering at the shower, it is ONLY part of the family that was there. Back row::  Daughter #3, My Dear Sister and proud Great-Auntie-to-be, Daughter #2, Son #4, Daughter-in-law #3, Son #3, Son #2 (proud soon-to-be Daddy), Daughter-in-law #2 (Guest of honor and proud Mommy-to-be). Middle row::  Daughter #4, Daughter #5 Front row::  Daughter #6, Daughter #7, Me--Proud Mammi, Best Friend/Auntie, and Best Friend/Auntie (I thought I had more than this one picture.  Guess the others that were loaded to my thumb-drive did not make it!  Oh well!)

Today, Hubby and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary!  In our 28 years we have seen many joys and heartaches.  We have been through three loss of income, but God saw to each and every need and we never went without.  We have been through several illness--one that left Hubby very sick and off work for almost three months.  We have seen the birth of 14 children and cried at the loss of two.  We have watched 3 babies grow in the NICU when they should have been growing inside of me.  We watched as God gave us back our youngest son when he coded at home and no life was in him--and we were not sure if he would be "okay".  (Today he is 150% boy and a year ahead in school!)  We have graduated six of fourteen children from home school and have seen three of their college graduations.  We watched one child "swear in" to the Army and cried all the way home and for days afterwards!  We watched the same child gradu...

Generation follows generation--yet it lives. Nations rise and fall--yet it lives. Kings, dictators, presidents come and go--yet it lives. Hated, despised, cursed--yet it lives. Doubted, suspected, criticized--yet it lives. Condemned by atheists--yet it lives. Scoffed at by scorners--yet it lives. Exaggerated by fanatics--yet it lives. Misconstrued and misstated--yet it lives. Ranted and raved about--yet it lives. Its inspiration denied--yet it lives. Yet it lives--as a lamp to our feet. Yet it lives--as a light to our path. Yet it lives--as the gate to heaven. Yet it lives--as a standard for childhood. Yet it lives--as a guide for youth. Yet it lives--as an inspiration for the matured. Yet it lives--as a comfort for the aged. Yet it lives--as food for the hungry. Yet it ives--as water for the thirsty. Yet it lives--as rest for the weary. Yet it lives--as light for the heathen. Yet it lives--as salvation for the sinner. Yet it lives--as grace for the Christian. ...

In a large family it always seems like there is a birthday to celebrate!  Today is no exception. Today marks the last year in the 'teen years' for Daughter #2 as she turns nineteen! Happy 19th Birthday Daughter!!! 

I do not normally reveiw products.  But sometimes you come across something you absolutely love and just have to share it!  Like Stampin' Up!  Love it, the best!  Sorry, but this review is not about SU!  I'll save that for another time! This is a negative review!  Can opener!!!!  Ugh!  I think that has to be the MOST frustrating part of meal preparation if opening a can.  My 'best' can opener that came from "the kitchen store that comes to your door", gave up the ghost about 2 months ago.  So I settled for one of the shelf at the big "W" super center.  It cost about $3 and I got about 7 weeks use out of it.  It 'quit' working while opening a can while preparing supper. (go figure)  So a trip to the neighbor's home to open the can.  I purchased a new opener at the Super "T" store.  My gut told me NOT to buy the "Chef Mate" opener.  It was $2 and since we were between pay checks I thougt it would last a we...

It has been a creative Saturday.  Since Hubby worked today it left me with a little free time.  Okay, not really freetime, there are lesson plans, quiz and test reviews to work on, laundry, etc.  But NO SCHOOL!  Once the house was in order and I worked on school items, I sat down to make a quick card.  (Sorry, no photo!  I had to "chase" the mail-lady to get it out in the mail!) I also set out to embelish a onesie and make a skirt for our Daughter-in-law's baby shower next weekend.  This is the result! T he silhouette is a giraffe (just in case you could not tell).  I follow jones design company , she had a tutorial for silhouettes on T's, and I have been "itching" to create since reading it!  The pattern for skirt came from my little ol' brain.  I changed it in the process of making it.  Daughter #6 helped me sew the seams and iron the seams flat. The material is what I had on hand from making a ...

The day has ended for the new ten year old in our home.  It was a good day.  Daughter #6 received a Cobra Walkie Talkie with a 16 mile range.  (Why 16 miles?  I don't know, the siblings are always within a 20-30 foot range of each other!  Maybe she wants Daddy to take it to work so she can keep in touch with him!) Daughter #6 wanted an eclaire cake for her birthday this year, so an eclaire cake it was!  I don't know why I don't make it more often, it is so simple!  I had enough mix that I made the birthday girl her own little tub! I wanted to post a couple of pictures, but I am having trouble uploading from my thumb-drive.  Maybe tomorrow! The house is quiet except for the clicking of the keyboard.  Ahhh!  I'll enjoy it.  At 5:30 tomorrow morning I will have at least 3 nesters up with me.  I enjoy the early morning to myself, but love watching the nesters up and eager to do their devotions/Bible reading and then start t...

Today marks a very important day in Daughter #6's young life!  She is officially "double digit"--ten years old!  D #6 was born exactly at 28 weeks.  She came into this world weighing 2 lbs. 9 oz. and 15 inches long.  (Her weight dropped to 1 lb. 14 oz.)  I only lasted 4 days on bedrest with preterm labor.  We spent 3 months in the NICU, 18 months on oxygen, and 2 years on a heart monitor.  By God's grace she is a healthy ten year old today, and we praise the Lord for His special gift to us .    HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY DAUGHTER #6!!!!! 

Sometimes things come into our lives that we would rather not deal with.  But life is always changing.  This one thing I know, I know the Unchanging God.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  He knows my fears, greatest heartaches, and is concerned with the smallest things in my life.  The last several-plus weeks have been very trying and exhausting.  Some of it due to the start of school and getting use to a new routine--again.  Some because the nesters have taken turns sharing a virus that kept me out of church for five weeks.  Just when I can get back to church we find out our ONLY vehicle is too dangerous to drive!  We have to rely on our older sons to get Hubby to and from work...we are on week two!  Not to mention heart wrenching things that I can not change because they are out of my control. Despite all the above mentioned things and unmentioned ones, I will rest in the knowle...