Getting My Act Together?? and Meet My Precious Great Nieces!!!

First off, do y'all think it's high time I get rid of the February, Valentiney theme on my blog? I promise, it will happen, just don't know when!

I really need to get my act together. I'm in the same boat as another blogging friend or two it seems. As of late, I can't seem to get my stuff together. And by stuff I mean even some of the simplest of daily chores! Most of you know our family recently went through some major changes and major health issues over these past six months or so. I thought by now, I'd be up and running on all cylinders, facing life with energy and zeal. But it just "ain't" happening! Could it have something to do with my age? I turn the big 50 in November. Shhh, don't tell anyone!

Well, here, let me allow the following picture to express to you how I'm feeling these days!

I've given myself a good talkin' to about my lack of reaching my own goals. I've had the hubster pray with me about it. I've joked about it with others. I've cried about it with my sister. I've tried to ignore it. I've given that ol' devil a chewing out. I've mused about it at odd hours, yes, many times at midnight. I'm tired of thinking about not being quite with it around here, so ...I've decided that for now I'm just going to rejoice in the fact that I walked for an hour yesterday and plan on doing it again today.Shane did get some lessons done yesterday and by God's grace, we'll do even more today. At least that's a start in the right direction of my former life and what we called normal.


Now, If y'all will indulge me, I'd like to share some sweet photos of my great nieces visiting my children's church class a couple of Sunday's ago! They are here visiting from Paraguay and leave us in about 6 weeks. I'm already having withdrawal symptoms. Let me tell you, these little princesses have a way of stealing hearts! Their giggles and squeals when I walk into a room is priceless!

Baby Lexi didn't like getting her clothes changed for church!

Here my niece Jackie, with her husband Brian are leaving the morning church service laden with gifts of pink from many of our generous church ladies! This was Jackie's first time to church since the birth of Lexi. Jackie looks good here doesn't she? She had given birth to Lexi at her home just two weeks prior.

Sarah gifted the girlies with matching dresses, not seen here as they are still in the bags.


My Mom brought baby Lexi into our Children's Church for a photo op ---It was, after all, Lexi's first time to church! Elena and Abbie are very proud to be big sisters now.



Elena and Abbie LOVE LOVE LOVE playing in the puppet theatre at the end of class time!






My helpers in Children's Church"

Elena, Matthew, Abbie, and Seth hold up the visuals to the little song,

"Whisper a prayer in the morning,

Whisper a prayer at noon.

Whisper a prayer in the evening.

Twill keep your heart in tune."



My niece said the girls went around their house singing it all week.

How precious is that? Be still my soul!



Here are the three princesses;

Abbie (age 2) Ya' gotta notice the toes! , Elena (age 4), and Lexi (1 month)



I love 'em to pieces!

Checking In! and Welcome Stupendous Sparkle! Glad you found my blog!

Do any of my friends even blog anymore? I have been so scarce around the blog world, I don't even know if my friends blog any longer! That's pretty bad!

Our lives have been in such an unusual state, that I've stayed away from blogging on purpose. I never want to say anything on here that would be detrimental to my family or my loved ones. Thankfully, due to prayer and tears, lots of good books by strong Christian authors, many counseling sessions with pastors, but most importantly, clinging to the Word of God, we are healing and things are ALMOST back to normal. (Normal for us anyway-I always heard that normal is way over rated.)

I did post about my newest great niece, Lexi Joy. That was a great occasion in all our lives. My mother and I were so happy Jackie is home on furlough from Paraguay and was able to give birth in our area.(See her photo in previous post) The baby is now 3 weeks old and getting lots of lovin' from her two sisters!

Last Saturday I enjoyed attending a school reunion. I was a teacher at Arcadia Christian Center back in the 80's, but forged many wonderful friendships with many of the students who were class mates with my siblings. Most of us hadn't seen each other for 25 years until this reunion. It was amazing. And true to form, I have PHOTOS!! LOL

SISTERS!
Rita and I having a good laugh. I probably shouldn't have posted such a terrible picture of myself, but I love what this photo communicates. We shared so many good laughs throughout the day.

Former students with their babies!

The next generation!



Mom and Rita, with some of mom's former students.

This is such a great shot! Kim and Rita were best friends and Kim was in Rita's wedding. They've only seen each other a few times since then. I'm sorry it's blurry, but I had to grab this moment before it was over!

Yes, Kim is sitting on my lap. We're so silly!

Rita and Clint with Dwight Powell. He was pastor/principal of Arcadia Christian Center. He just recently returned from Haiti, where he has an established ministry. Oh the stories he told us! God is really working in Haiti. He baptized 126 Sunday before last! He told about a Voodoo priest who also came to the Lord after Dwight climbed the mountain to speak with him face to face and offer food for his people. He told him "My God spoke to me and told me to bring you and your people food." At first the priest denied the help, but later accepted. The next day, he came down off the mountain and found Bro. Dwight and asked to learn more of "his God" who was loving and kind and sent food. The Voodoo priest said his god was angry and made the earth break. Bro. Dwight shared the gospel with the man who openly accepted the Lord that day. I had goosebumps all over as he told this miraculous story. Can you imagine the rejoicing that went on in the ministry headquarters that day!?!

Wendy was so happy to see me again! She was a student of my parents at the school, but I taught her on Wednesday nights at our church. We hadn't seen each other since 1983!

Jan and George seemed happy to be reunited!

Lots of hugging through out the day.

Here I am with Paige!! I was her first grade teacher and taught her how to read! I hadn't seen her since the mid eighties when she was still a little girl! She is now retired from the Air Force. One of her most recent accomplishments was spending nearly five years writing an instructional curriculum for the Air Force. I kept rubbing it in that I was the one who taught her how to read! I'm so proud of her and what a sweetie she is!

Two great godly men, Bro. Dwight and my dad!

Aunt Rita greets Shane.

Brother in laws, Clint and Agustin

This photo needs no words. I love it!