Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Farewell Our Sweet Neighbors

One of our dearest neighbors is moving today. They have been here since the beginning, and it simply will not be the same. While we will always remain friends and will still be hanging out together, it just isn't the same. Who will I hang out with on the driveway and chat about nothings with? Who can I call last minute to borrow a cup of sugar or an egg or a roll of toilet paper?! Who will Ema and Caleb hang out with in the cul-de-sac on the nicest and the yuckiest of weather days?! Whose house will we go to for the annual Halloween party? Oh what a sad day it is.

I will miss you my friend...you better call me tomorrow!!

Monday, June 29, 2009

A Great Day Came Shining Through

Yesterday was my birthday.

I wasn't thrilled with the idea since I have been feeling rather crappy lately, but to my surprise God worked his glory as usual and for this I am eternally grateful to Him.

On Saturday, I got a phone call from my father reminding me to enjoy my birthday tomorrow! While I was hoping it would go under the radar he reminded me that it shouldn't! I admire his zest for life and his desire to continually seek knowledge. This gift is so valuable and I will always be thankful that he has passed it on to me.

My Dad...YOU ARE SIMPLY THE BEST!

When I woke up on Sunday my cold was showing a little reprieve, so after taking some cough syrup and three more Advil, I ventured to church after having missed the previous two weeks. Much to my dismay, I was not overjoyed about it being my birthday. Probably because after being sick for 10 days, I was feeling like an old lady. And of course to add insult to injury, I found myself nodding off during the service. I was literally one of those little old ladies on a Sunday morning in church who can't seem to stay awake. Only my skin wasn't wrinkly and my hair wasn't short and curly. Granted it is white, but not quite as white as it needed to be! I blame the Benedril for making me so groggy. Fortunately I was able to stay awake enough to listen to the sermon. It was a wonderful message about tearing down the walls we have built up in order to let God in and use us for His good.

Upon returning home, still feeling sorry for myself, I was greeted with this most amazing gift. I cannot begin to express how grateful I am. Tears came to my eyes when I saw the writing on the envelope. I said to Craig, "Ohhhh, my friend Susan remembered my birthday!" As I opened the card the tears came rolling down my cheeks. It was one of those cards you get every so often that speaks directly to your heart. God uses us in such great ways, and when he brings two or more believers together it makes for such joyous celebrations. Then when I opened the gift I couldn't help but look up and start laughing. God really does have a great sense of humor! He must have talked straight to her heart. He knew I was in a not-so-great place and needed to reconnect to Him. The book she selected is just PERFECT! It's a devotional called New Day New You by Joyce Meyer. I love Joyce Meyer, and I was just saying to Him this past week in my prayer time that I need to work on creating a new me before my 40th hits. How Great God Is! Working His ways through those we love! I have already read two passages, and I look forward to the next 364.

My friend...YOU ARE SIMPLY THE BEST!

As an added pick me up, my mother stopped by to share a few great treasures! After perusing her house for some decorating ideas last week, I noticed a couple of stools that had been stacked on top of each other. I thought to myself what a great idea! Of course I said to her, "when you are done with those I want them." Well of course she found two more and painted them to match my decor. Then as creative as she is she tied a beautiful bird to top. For those that know me well you will understand.

(For those of you that don't, I'll fill you in on a little secret: Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6: 26-27)

My Mother...YOU ARE SIMPLY THE BEST!

To end my day we headed over to my in-laws for Sunday Dinner. Is isn't very often that my birthday falls on Sunday. To my surprise, they had streamers and balloons and a great celebration. We had brats on the grill, and my brother-in-law even grilled up some onions just for me! They were delicious. For dessert we had cake and ice cream. Of course Emaleigh, Caleb and Samantha had to blow out all those candles since I didn't really want to share this great cold with everyone! For even more of a surprise Craig's cousin Dawn made a chocolate mousse just for the occasion. THANKS DAWN! (I mean Darcy!)

My Extended Family...YOU ARE SIMPLY THE BEST!

To all of my family and friends, I am overjoyed that you remembered me on my birthday. As I get older I realize, that for most, it is just another day. But truly it is a day to be celebrated beyond measure. It is a day that reminds you how important you are to be a part of a much larger picture.

My Heavenly Father...YOU ARE THE BEST!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Horse Camp

This week Emaleigh is taking a horse camp that her Grandpa Mann found advertised in his neighborbood newspaper. Ironically it is only 5 minutes from our house. (They live about 25 minutes from our house.) Anyway, she has been able to adopt a pony named Misty. She has to feed it, groom it, and even muck out its stall. She also gets to train with it because on Friday all her family gets to watch her compete in a show with her new found friend.

Thank You Grandpa Mann

On Sunday the kids helped Grandpa Mann in the garage. They came across a slip and slide which he let them take home to play with for the summer. What a huge success. On Monday they worked together with no adult help for over a half an hour to get it out the box, set up and working so they could use it! On Tuesday, they invited their neighbor Logan to set up his slide, and they set up their slide to have a double slide. On Wednesday, they invited their friend Taylor and Austin to come and use the slide, too! Tomorrow is Thursday. I wonder what they ask to do?!!


(Be sure to double click on the picture so you can see the expression on these faces!)

Sunday, June 7, 2009

The Pond



When we moved into our house 7 years ago, we knew we wanted to have a pond. We love having a water feature in our backyard. It is so soothing to listen to on warm summer evenings. Unfortunately, owning a pond does not come without responsibility.

We choose not to keep fish in our pond, because we really like to see clear water. Therefore, bleach has become a great friend. It also keeps the bugs away, so we don't have to be too concerned with WNV. Actually, we aren't too concerned, but it sounds like a viable reason to pour bleach into our pond. I am sure we are destroying the environment in some way...what doesn't!

This year we had to drain the pond and wash the rocks. The slime build up was quite disqusting. It is amazing how after 7 years it still looks pretty good. In fact, with the plant growth it probably looks even better. If I remember correctly, we put fake plants the first year to make it look somewhat decent. That didn't last long though--the plants faded and looked horrible.


Who new we would end up vacumming our pond like we vacuum our carpets?!

Thank goodness for Emaleigh. She was a huge help this year!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Our Little Party Girl

Today was G.G.'s 91st birthday.

Nana, Emaleigh, Caleb and I went out to celebrate with cupcakes. After singing,eating cake and enjoying a quick round of bingo, the nurses asked us if we'd seen her picture in the paper this week? To our surprise we had not. It was actually in a local paper for Old Colorado City called Fresh Ink. What a hoot! She and some other resident's went to a Senior Prom at another nursing home here in town on Friday night. This picture was on the front cover of the magazine with the following caption:

"Ninety-year-old Betty Warfield and her date, 84-year-old Vern Crotinger, danced at their 2009 senior prom, which was held at the Mountain View Care Center Friday night."

It never ceases to amaze us how social she is. In fact, this afternoon she was headed to our local minor league baseball park to watch the game. We sang the 7th inning stretch about 5 times before she got on the bus, just so she'd remember it!

Happy 91st Betty!