Merry Christmas!

For those who wonder what we're up to, life is blessed and busy. I've been helping conduct the choir at St. Michael's Special School where Stephen goes. The performance was on Dec.8th and was very successful. I think it brought joy to the full house who came. Of course I am always blessed many times over by the beautiful spirits of these students.







So to catch up, Joanna had her baby on Nov.7th. Baby Anna Gloria Roy. Daniel and Zachary were happy to have a sister. Mother and Daughter are doing just great! Daddy Joe is keeping everyone happy working hard, cooking, and all around caring for his family.





We had a marvelous Thanksgiving. John and his fiance Kristen came to visit. . John and Kristen got to meet our family and friends in the short three days they were here. They will return again for New Year's.















Patrick also came and brought his dog Riley to visit Bambi. They had a great time


















Fall is here now. I've posted some video of Stephen and Phil and the leaf jumping Olympics. Unfortunately my camera doesn't add sound, but leaf jumping does not rely on sound anyway.





So, I should be writing Christmas cards right now, but decided to post this first. My shopping is almost complete. The best part about playing Santa is that you get such joy out of surprising others with gifts. Theresa, Pete, Gregory and Louis will be here for the holidays. That will add lots of baby fun and excitement to the household. Patrick and Riley will come in also. Bambi can't wait. Of course, Michael and Stephen will be here. Michael just finished another semester at UNO. Grandma Alice is here too. Her shopping is done already, just waiting on the UPS to deliver all the orders!


Had to mail gifts to Grace, Paul and Cy, Kerri and Zelie as they will not be here for Christmas. We had a wonderful visit with them here in October. And I'm sure we will see them again soon. Maybe for Mardi Gras.


Well, a blessed Christmas to all who read this and a happy and Christ-filled New Year for you all.

Time Flies

Okay, so it's been awhile since I posted. Summertime gets a bit hectic. But now that school is back in session, and life is more into a routine, I'll get back to this.



We had a great family vacation on the Guadeloupe River in Texas. Here is a family shot.









Then we had Joe Timler (brother of our friend John) from South Bend stay with us for a few weeks in July. Stephen shared his room. It was lots of fun. (Finally someone to play pirates with!)



During the summer Stephen played baseball, had a week of horseback riding camp and was on the Green Acres swim team.










In August, we were deeply grieved by Grace & Paul's miscarriage. I was able to visit them over Labor Day. They have had one tough summer, but the Lord is their strength and life continues. The three kids, Cy, Kerri and Zelie are wonderful.

Here they are showing off their tiger painted faces from our trip to the zoo.

















Also, a few weeks ago we finally agreed to get a puppy for Stephen. We decided on a "goldendoodle" which is a mix of golden retriever and poodle. Kind of like a small polar bear!


Even though I was sure I was ready for, as someone put it, "one more special needs individual to care for" I began feeling a bit panicked. However, with prayer and perserverance, these feelings have calmed down.


I actually am enjoying Bambi now. And Stephen is really bonding with her which is what we wanted. He lets her out of her kennel in the morning and takes her outside. He feeds her and loves her. The playful puppy part is tricky, all those sharp baby teeth can get annoying! But she'll grow out of that right?

Also this summer John got engaged! We met Kristen briefly at our summer vacation and really enjoyed her. So, wedding plans will be part of our life for the next year. Parents of the groom this time around - what fun!

Finally, I got a new computer, so I am on a learning curve with that. I decided to get another Dell, the XPS 210 . It's very nice and fast. My old one was slow, probably because of all I had on it. Michael has been able, with John's help, to set it up to use in the "East Wing" - even got the remote internet working. So I'm glad that is accomplished.


I guess that brings us up to date. I'm probably forgetting something. But for now, for whoever cares, this is our life. It is good. God is merciful.

A Fine Farewell

Ken, Phyliss, Liz, Marsha, Mom

Mom and I took an unexpected trip to Long Island last weekend. Her remaining brother and my godfather Uncle Jimmy Powers had passed away. He and wife Phyllis have lived in Florida for over 16 years, but at his death, Jim wanted to rest in peace on Long Island, where they all grew up.

Since he was a retired policeman, the men in blue stood as honor guard while he lay in state and escorted us to the cemetery. Since he was a former Marine, the men in uniform retired and presented the flag. It was very respectful and solemn. My cousin, Marsha and husband Ken Raynor and three great kids (Jimmie, Katie and Christie) were there adding the warmth of memories and admiration.

Jim had survived eight years after a bout with esophageal cancer. He had not chewed swallowed any food in all that time. My Aunt Phyllis has assisted him with his tube feedings and whatnot to help him live a relatively normal life. Once a man of Archie Bunker opinions and accent, he was forcibly humbled by cancer to a wispy voice and a much quieter demeanor.

However, he still had his amazing stories that thrilled the grandkids all the more. And he had that borrowed time we all hope to experience in order to show his love to those he was closest to.

As taps flowed out of the bugle and mingled with the trees at Calverton National Cemetery, hearts were moved. Many who came from far away were united for a time to honor and bid farewell to this good man. We slowly departed and went to have a common meal.

Farewell Uncle Jimmy, you will be missed.

Dance to the Music

Here are some cute pictures of Stephen dancing at the wedding of Theresa and Jack Lynch in Shreveport on April 15th. His partner is the youngest Burgess girl from Mobile. The gathering was especially fun as it included people from several People of Praise branches. Weddings are wonderful times to celebrate and reconnect. And we always appreciate the music!

Waiting

Well I did promise to post once a week. That's hard when it's been a busy week. I had a great retreat at Rosaryville. What a beautiful and peaceful place. Can I bottle the spring air with its fragrance and colors? What should I call it: Heaven? Peace on Earth? Azalea Explosion Amidst the Shady Spring Breezes?

Anyway, just being there was tranquil. The talks and prayer time were of course powerful. So nice to know that the Lord loves us so much as to indulge our senses on cue. Yes I know he is with me always (we chat frequently) but going away especially to meet with him and waiting to hear his word, makes that encounter so much more meaningful to me. Thank you Lord for being there when I waited for you. I know you always wait for me.

Speaking of waiting. I can confirm one report we hear about post-Katrina New Orleans. There is now nothing emergent about emergency rooms. I had to take Mom there on Thursday as she was having several faint feelings. After doing a quick EKG they determined it was not a heart attack, so we waited. We arrived at 5:30 PM. We left at 1:30 AM. After all that time and a half bag of IV she was feeling much better. They never could find a problem. We both were longing for our comfy beds and soft pillows. It was a looooong evening. I am going to try very hard from now on to have all emergencies during doctor's business hours. Waiting on the Lord is one thing. Waiting on a doctor in the emergency room in New Orleans is something else altogether.

The Big Red Van

I drive a big red van - salsa red pearl to be exact. One of the reasons I chose that color was because it was so visible.

So why do people keep hitting me!!??

It started with a very old man who couldn't tell his brake from his gas pedal (please give up your license Mr. Doyle). He sideswiped me as I was waiting for the light to turn green. Actually it had turned green and I was just stepping on the gas to go forward. Neither of us were hurt badly - actually he has a bleeding elbow which he refused to investigate; and I had a sore arm which Diane prayed for and it was healed totally- so I got his insurance info, got the damages appraised, got the okay, got the rental car, got my car repaired and all is well. That finished last week.

Fast forward to Tuesday this week. Again I am at a traffic light which has just turned green. I make sure no crazy driver is running his red light which they frequently do around here, and then I begin to step on the gas. Bam!! The girl behind me rams into my big, red van, She didn't see me. What about the big red van did you miss??
So now I have more repairs and a sore neck and back ( reminds me of the time the UPS truck rear ended me but that's another story from long ago.)

And, I guess we have to pray a little harder since my neck is still sore, and I'll have to wait till next week to get the car fixed because we have our People of Praise women's retreat this weekend. I'm driving to that.

So everybody - on the spillway, on I 55, at Middendorf's restaurant, on Hwy 22 in Roasaryville - there is a big red van coming - give me some space!
Thanks.

Disneyworld - a perspective

We experienced Disneyworld for the first time, Phil, Stephen and I. It was crowded and cold, then crowded and hot. However, the shows and attractions were all first class. Very imaginative. Thankfully we had the guide our of seasoned cousins, Chelsea, Evan, Abby & Julia Slattery (along with their mom and dad, Beth & Rich) to show us the best attractions.

Beth, the experienced mom, had snacks, sunscreen, maps, ibuprofen, and drinks. She really made the days easy. I on the other hand stood in many long lines to get a "quick" ice cream or frozen lemonade. I will do it differently next time.

On the other hand, we were able to get a handicap pass for Stephen. That pass was, to quote one park employee, "like gold." We were able to take the fast track on most every ride and attraction. That was great. There was no way Stephen could wait in the 20, 40 and 50 minute lines the rides were advertising. And almost all the attractions allowed all nine of us to enter on his pass. We appreciated that.

But it was all a bit much for Stephen who was ready to go home by 7 each night. (Never did see the fireworks). Wilderness Lodge was very nice and close by. I think if I go back, I'd like to see only one park, slowly. Epcot would be pleasant. Or maybe MGM studios. We need time to stroll the streets and stop in the stores. Time to watch the people and join the parade. Time to just sit. Stephen would like that and I think so would Phil and I.

Enjoying Gods' Gifts

Thought I would share with you some of my favorite flowers. The Japanese magnolias actually bloomed first. The tulips bloomed a few weeks later (since that's when I planted them).

***Spring has sprung here in the deep south. The weather is gorgeous! I hope to browse through the Sculpture Garden at City Park sometime soon. ***Stephen made me a beautiful happy birthday card at school today.

***Who knows the mind of the Lord who could invent such beauty, such love and such joy!

Enjoy life today!

You're Never Too Old...

Okay, so I don't know what I'm doing, but I'm a quick study. On my birthday eve eve I am attempting to, no, I am creating a blog - a term I didn't even know the meaning of a year ago.

The intent of this site is to post happenings about which others might want to know, along with pictures. I'm not up to videos, yet. I might also post a thought or two. Can't let my son John be the only one who waxes poetic!

So, here it goes and we'll see what happens.