Chilson Family

Busy.  That seems to describe life in our home.  Just day to day busy.  Nothing really noteworthy.  Life moves on.   Let me think, since I last posted.... well, let me back up to about a month before my last post.  Daughter #6 got married in October of 2022...today Son #7 got married.  So, I have gained another son and another daughter! Our youngest graduated from high school in May and our oldest grandchild graduated the following day!  From our oldest child to our youngest, we have 33 years of education. (I'm tired just thinking about it!!) Still only 13 grandchildren.  Hubby is still in education.  I keep things going on the home front.  I help out the families where and when needed.  I still make cards for the card ministry that I have been doing for 19 years.  I still crochet.   That about sums up life at this point.  Have a wonderful day!

  Eleven years ago, today, my mom entered the gates of heaven.   My heart still breaks, hurts, and grieves.  But I know I will see her one day.  It seems like it has been a lifetime.  My youngest was only 6 1/2, now she is 17 1/2, a senior in high school and trying to choose between two colleges.  My oldest was 26 with young children and now is 37 and his crew is growing up too quickly!   My oldest grandchild was 6 and now is 17 and a senior in high school.  My youngest grandchild was only 6 weeks old and now is eleven.  Eight of my thirteen grandchildren have been born since that day.    Mom Mom's Viewing My children, taken about 6 weeks before  Mom died. I miss you, Mom!

 Recently I was sitting and waiting for a funeral that Hubby was officiating.  As I sat in the very back of the viewing room I was reminded of a few things. Life is precious.  Every.  Life.  Is. Precious.  No matter how young, old, born, yet-to-born, color of skin, disability, picture perfect.....life is precious.  Life is short.  It does not matter the age.  Life is short.  We are never guaranteed a tomorrow.  There was a newborn there, probably only a week old, a grandmother who is into her eighties.  Ages that were in-between.  Life is eternal.  Not earthly life, but eternal life, you know, the life that follows this life. Today marks 2 years since my dad died, yet it seems like forever.  My heart is sad as I remember the day, but I will see him again.  My mom died just a little over 10 1/2 years ago.  It seems like it has been "longer than forever".  I am so sad as I think of that day, but I kn...

 Has it really been since the end of 2020 that I last posted?.....wow...... My girls were sitting at the dinner table, way past dinner time, and were asking me if I was still blogging.  I told them no, that I really was not sure why.  I guess the dynamics of life have changed, I really had not put a lot of thought into the blog.  But they had a ball going over the post and our youngest daughter, Daughter #7, could not believe, in her words..."Why would you put such rachet  pictures of me on your blog!?"  (she is almost 18 and loves to describe things as rachet, crusty,  etc.)  Some of the words they come up with I have to ask what they mean.....{BIG SIGH!} So, here I am.  What should I blog about?  Life is always interesting, but we live it a day at a time.  We make plans but seems like we do more rearranging.  That's okay, somethings we plan end up not being important as something else. Life here at home has changed in the pas...

I kind of think that most everyone will be reviewing this year in their minds, with family, and with friends, "Never thought we would see a year like we did this year."  Will we even notice when 2021 rings in a new year?  Or will we ring in 2021 with hopes that life will balance out and the virus will be only a memory? I feel like the year has just been one blur of events.  It seems like yesterday our youngest grand was born, but she will be one in February.  Our youngest just turned sixteen...seems like she was just four years old just a few days ago!  Dad will soon be gone 5 months, and Mom has been gone just nine years.  Birthday parties became birthday parades, visiting family became a drive by visit.  We saw some family on a day to day basis....because you cannot babysit and social distance.   As the year comes to a close and a new year draws near, one thing has remained the same....God.  He is still on His throne, not surprised by ...

Thirty-seven years ago today I said, "I do!", and today I still "I do!"!  The years have been blessed with 14 children, 6 in-loves, and 13 grandchildren.  Not a day has gone by that has been a perfect day.  There is always some hic-cup or bump in the road, but we manage.   Marriage is work.  It is hard work.  But it is worth every bit of it.   This picture was taken at our surprise anniversary party last year.  M y daddy is sitting between Hubby and me.  I cried when I saw him sitting at the table.  He NEVER wanted to go out ANYWHERE!  But he came for ME!!!  One daughter was suppose to be at college in South Carolina...she made a trip home to celebrate us!  (ummm...so I notice that today I have on the same shirt as last year!!!!...if I knew we were going to be celebrated I sure would NOT have worn that!  But I guess that is how it goes with surprises!) Anniversary card I made for Hubby today. HAPPY ANNI...

 Wow...my last post was in December of 2018......how my life has changed.  I honestly went to my blog to see if I could still access it.  I was very surprised that I could!  My dad died on 31 July 2020.  He made a very rapid decline at the beginning of July.  He was declining in health all along, but July 1 was a major turn for him.  He died 17 days after his 91st birthday.  This is him on his 91st birthday.  He was born on flag day, June 14, 1929.  He was so proud to be born on flag day.  My family gathered outside of his home in the afternoon to sing happy birthday to him.    He did not remember everyone who was there, but kept telling me that "Those people must really like me and think I am special."  He talked about it for days!  He was so tired by the time we left, but it was a very good day for him.  It was a good day for all of us. My heart is so grieved.  I know my dad is in heaven with my ...

It has been a long while since I have even thought about blogging.  My days are filled with caring for my elderly father.  Really it is not a lot of hands on other than meals, coffee, and seeing to his well-being.   We were told late summer he was in the early stages of dementia.  Things I chalked up to old age...he is 89...and being tired were really the early stages of dementia.  The person who "told" us was not the most compassionate person or told in a way that was too kind.  Not that she was being ugly...I think it is just her personality.  Nevertheless, it was somewhat of a shock.  Looking back I guess we may had thought it was a possibility, but now we know. One of our daughters lives with my dad.  Nice to know that we have someone who is there in the overnight hours.  I take the day and stay with him until my daughter comes home from work, or sister comes over.  He is declining.   Early this morning...about 4:30 a...

Wow!  I am so far behind in keeping up my blog!  So much has happened since my last post.  I have been keeping busy with family, ministry, and my hobby/ies! An elderly friend of mine needed some extra attention and help.  God has been so good to allow me to help her out and see to some of her needs. My father, 89, fell towards the end of July.  He was down about 3 hours before I found him.  We are very blessed he was not seriously hurt, but did require a hospital stay and some rehab.  Our second daughter has moved back to Indiana and is living with my father.  What a God-send!  We are so blessed that she was sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and moved home.  Although we had many safety measures in place for my father, it only takes one little misstep.  I am happy to say that he is much stronger than before!  We have added a few more safety measures and our hope and prayer is to keep him living as independent as po...

Where has the time gone?  My best intentions did not fly!  I guess crocheting, card-making, and grandchildren...not to mention playing taxi driver for two of our off-spring has not helped!   So today, I come to start again.   This evening, Daughter #5, (child #11), graduates from high school.  I can not believe it!  Her plans are to major in Criminal Justice at Bob Jones University this fall! CONGRATULATIONS DAUGHTER! WE ARE SO PROUD OF  YOU!!!!!

Six years ago today my family's heart was broken by the death of my mother.  Today turned happy because Grandbaby number 11 was born!  Grandson W was born at 12:38 pm, weighing 8 pounds 15 ounces, and 22 1/2 inches long!  Daughter #1 and babe are doing well!!!!! (pictures will follow later once the parents have a chance to brag on their own!!!)

Grandchildren are great!  Love them to pieces!  I was going through some photos and could not resist sharing. At a recent family gathering Son #2 wanted to play Monopoly.  He has ALWAYS loved to play Monopoly.  As a child, he ALWAYS won.  He was ALWAYS the banker.  His siblings ALWAYS said he cheated.  I don't know about that....but....these poor lil' souls were just waiting for their turn to play!!!!  They were so patient! This is a picture from Grand-night back in July.  We are getting ready to celebrate Daughter #5 birthday.  As always they were waiting patiently!!! Their patience paid off with cupcakes!!!!!!!!!!! Aunts, uncles, niece and nephews all settle down to watch a wildlife documentary before going to bed. We are planning for another Grand-night-over-night soon.  Of course, each set comes and goes at different times, sometimes spending the night and sometimes just for the eveni...

I have a card ministry that I started about 12 years ago.  At that time I had a lot of littles and big kiddos at home and home educating.  With one vehicle it was hard to help out in the nursing home/home bound visitation.  But...I could share what I loved....cards.  I started out with maybe 12 people and the list was added to because there were some older generation members who came to church, but just needed a bit of cheering up.  My list has grown over the years, I have lost some...ok...many....because they moved on to Glory, but my ministry stays busy with about 55-60 cards a month.  Depending on what is going on at church the count can grow from there with special speakers, etc. I have a card to share today.  The idea was from Patty Bennett's blog,  pattystamps.com .  She made a card using a new set from Stampin' Up! called Painted Harvest .  I do not have that set, but I have the retired set from SU called Serene Sunflower. ...

September is in full swing!  September 8, 2017, was Daughter #6, child #12, 16th birthday!!!!!!  She looks pretty amazing for being a 2# 9oz. preemie!!!   D#6 is the one on the end in the front row with the long hair. (right side of picture, left side of picture?? I ALWAYS confuse those two when looking at something!!!!) Daughter #7, child #14, the one on the opposite end in front row, broke her arm the middle of August at a youth activity.  She had just completed three days of school and was one week from her first volleyball game!  So she is missing out on volleyball, although her coach made her the manager.   Daughter #2, child #6, came home for a visit the middle of the month!  She lives down south.  We were able to spend her 25th birthday with her!  We had ALL of the family at our home for dinner!  We number 32!!!!!  My sister joined us as she is the kids second Mom, so she brings the count to thirty-three! ...

This morning I was feeling a little winded and such after doing some laundry, so I decided to check my blood pressure...something I have not done in a long time.  My blood pressure was 151/89.  Not sure if that is high or "what", I put the numbers in my phone to check.  It's "HIGH-NORMAL"...okay, I need to work on that.  I continued scrolling down on the screen to read more on the upper and lower values of blood pressure and I came across an advertisement.......for Batesville Monument with a picture of a grave headstone.  I am thinking...NOT FUNNY!  Now my heart is pounding, I am having a hard time catching my breath, and I feel all around awful!  Anxiety?....you bet!  This was not a way to start my day! So.....I am going to have to make some changes....not sure what to do, but something has got to change!!!!!

Finally, here are pictures from Son #6 and Daughter #5's graduation.  I finally figured out what I was doing wrong downloading pictures!! Ready to go! Walking up to receive his diploma from Pastor Arrowood YAY! Receiving diploma from Pastor Arrowood YAY!  Photo boards for reception Turning of the tassel...brings tears to my eyes even now!!!! Big day, big plans, big world........ .........trusting Jesus!

Well, it has been an interesting summer.  We have been keeping very busy with the grandchildren and homestead projects.  We are gearing up for school to start in August.  Well...at least it is on this old momma's mind.  The scholars will be returning to the Christian school this year, as hubby is blessed with classes!  I am sad thinking of them being away, but happy that the scholars are with their dad.  By the way...we are down to the last four in school!!!!  The young ladies have been babysitting nieces and nephews this summer.  They have also been staying several days at the siblings home "just because".  The young men have been helping out at the church off and on with weeding, cleaning a shelter house, etc. Hubby has been the taxi driver for the family...I have been keeping busy with card projects for my ministry and Summer Bible Conference.  I need to make a couple of sheets for our Granddaughter E, but they are quick...

May brought many changes!  We added a new granddaughter to our arms!  Granddaughter E, or EJ, was welcomed to the world on May 19, 2017 at 6:52 PM, weighing in at 7 pounds and 1 ounce, 19 inches long.  She was about 4 1/2 weeks early, but is doing well.  Even at the larger size she has had a few preemie issues, but we expected that!  My pictures are on my phone and I have no idea of how to get them to my computer!!!  I can be technology challenged at times.  May also brought the graduation of our twins!  Son #6 and Daughter #4 graduated on May 26!  These are their Senior pictures that were taken about 2 weeks prior to graduation.  I am in the process of looking for the pictures I took at graduation and can. not. find. them. ERRRR!!!!! Since my technology skills are being challenged at the moment, I think I will end this post  here and see if I can have dear Hubby locate my pictures for me!  I will be...