Sixty Reasons Why...

... he means so much to me!



He's caring.
He's considerate.
He's clever.
He's creative, convivial and kind.
He's positive,
proud,
patriotic
and a man of prayer.

He's generous, devoted,
respectful, enthusiastic,
energetic,
and loving...
He is wise and wonderful.
He's handsome,
happy,
healthy,
thoughtful and careful.

He's a giver,
a tenor,
a lover,
exhorter,
provider,
protector and problem-solver!

He's musical, he's ethical, he's wonderful.
(Did I say that already?)

He is supportive.
He is understanding.
He is industrious.

And he
cooks for me,
and he makes my tea.
And he starts my yoga tape for me!

He's my plumber,
my mechanic,
my electrician and mason.
He's my roofer, finisher, gardener, and landscaper.
He is my installer and appliance repairman.

He's my rosemaler,
woodworker,
calligrapher,
dog trainer,
tincture-maker,
fire-builder,
and doggie trainer.

He has character.
He loves the Lord.
He is a great Dad.
He is a doting Grandpa.

He is the best.
He wants the best.
He always tries to do better!

...and he is my friend.

When you turn 60...

...take more time for your favorite things...

Find yourself fishing!


Get yourself Golfing!


Grab opportunities with Owen!

Continue your creative cooking.

Take it easy once in awhile!

Travel new and exciting trails!

...but most important of all, PLEASE TAKE ME WITH YOU!

Congratulations - A Ribbon...

at your first show!

Beginners Honorable Mention at the

Norse Rosemaler's Association Show.

for your beautiful painting!

I'm so proud of you!

See, you just keep getting better and better...

and better and better!

A Busy Weekend...

Phil, you still got it! WOW!

Friday evening: grade the driveway.

and ...run the compactor!

Saturday morning: pour out the concrete.

and finish the concrete... soooooo nice.

Sunday afternoon: Spread the dirt and plant the shrubs.

Voila! A big job is beautifully done.

Thank you so much. It is beautiful, and you made it almost look easy.

What else happens when you pray?

God answers again!
If you have a request that is big, such as finding a lost earring or small, such as finding a little church in which to serve, it would behoove you to pray about it. At least that is the lesson that I learned from my sister recently.
On our way to Reiley's birthday party in Illinois on Saturday I lost one of my earrings. Since they were a gift from my daughter and were irreplaceable, I was sad that I wouldn't be able to wear them again...

At the party we met the "prayed-for" twins and enjoyed their sweetness. We also had the opportunity to catch up (sort of) with the boys. We watched as they tumbled and flitted from one activity to the next. Their growth in body, mind and soul being another testimony of God's design. It is exciting to watch the unfolding of the little people they are becoming and it is evident that their safety is prayed for daily!

Finally we were able to see the Little church for which my sister prayed. First having been led by God and then taking a leap of faith, my sister and her husband moved from the big city to the little city. They bought a home, found new work and moved all their stuff. In her heart of hearts my sister wanted a place where her husband could minister and that was the desire of his heart. So she prayed for a "little church". "Is that too much to ask", she wondered as God was already answering her prayer. In God's own way He gave them the desires of their heart. He provided "exceedingly and abundantly" above all they asked. He gave them a church home and gave PR a place to minister and serve and use his gifts and talents. On the way home we decided to pray about finding my lost earring. "Is that too much to ask?" Then we looked in the car and under the seats. We stopped at places where we had been along the way and looked. We looked at the gas station and in the driveway. Home again, I looked one last time under the seat. There, stuck in a crevice, where I thought I had already looked, was my earring! Thank you Lord!

What happens when you pray?

God answers!

Our niece, Karina, knew what she wanted and that was to have more kids! But she also understood her limitations... So she did what any believing child of God should do and she went to her heavenly Father about it. She prayed for twins... (I call it "two for the price of one".)

Her beautiful twin daughters are a double blessing and a constant reminder to all of us that God answers prayers! We were delighted to meet them and hold them and share in her double scoop of "two-for-the-price-of-one" joy.



Kate and Madison Austin - age 11 weeks.

Surprised speechless...

After nearly 39 years of marriage I was certain that there would be no way my mate could keep a secret from me; and by my 58th birthday I thought that I had pretty much seen it all. At least that was what I thought... but I was wrong!

Last week, on my birthday, I was waiting in the car while Phil checked us into our hotel for a "little" vacation in Florida. (Lori was with us and MB had decided at the last minute to fly down and join us too.) Sitting there, I just turned to glance at a car that had pulled up along side us and... everyone in that car looked familiar! That was weird. I looked again. I blinked. I was momentarily speechless. My thoughts churned: whoa... wait a minute! whe? ...whaa? ...who? When I found my voice, "OWEN!" was all that came out, but they were ALL there! Julie from Colorado; Rachel, Rog and the baby from Minnesota and Mimi at the wheel of a rental car! With perfect timing, Mimi had left from Cape Coral in the morning, swung through the Orlando airport to pick up the others and pulled up along side us as we checked in - to a gorgeous fully appointed vacation suite! The various flights were nothing less than miraculous as most of us escaped just ahead of snow storms, blizzards and bitter cold temperatures.

Later we were joined for pizza by Mark, Kathy, Tyler and Abbey! (another miracle... another story) We met up with them again later at Universal Studios.

We sunned and funned; we used the pool and the spa; we played and we walked and we laughed. We ate giant hamburgers and Lori's lasagna; we rode rollercoasters and shuttles; we played Pictionary and Soup (thanks to Tyler); we drank coffee, watched movies , took pictures, shopped the outlets and took many turns hugging Owen.

Though the idea originated with Phil, it took off as each one joined in on the surprise. It took everyone to pull it off, and each one did their part to make it a special four days together. I will never forget it. It was AWESOME! Thank you.

The Birthday Girls - MM and Kathy

Ladies Man

G G-ma relaxing

Universal Studios

We saw Abbey and Tyler too.

Tried Feeding Tyler to the Shark!

My Daddy...

This is a day I remember well. It was one of those rare, but wonderful, days spent together with my family doing things we loved to do. For me, playing in the water at the pool was a treat, and so was getting time and attention from my Daddy. Here he is holding me tight and keeping me safe at the swimming pool. Since I hadn't learned to swim yet, it was a little scary in the water, and I just wanted him to hold me all the time. Besides, he was my Daddy, and I couldn't get enough of him.

I remember him splashing and clowning and making me laugh. I remember him encouraging me to splash, too, and I would splash and feel so proud and I would feel so loved. I marveled at how he could blow bubbles and how the water could flow in and out of his mouth and how he never swallowed any and he never choked! My favorite thing was riding on his back while he did the breast stroke. He could glide so smoothly through the water and I remember feeling so safe... even at the deep end! Then, he had this thing that he would do when I least expected it. When we were just short of the edge of the pool, my Dad would take me and push me away and say "paddle!" and "kick!" I can remember being scared to death, but I paddled and I kicked and I got myself to the edge of the pool. I hated that. I hated him pushing me away. I hated being separated from him. I hated how hard it was paddling and kicking and getting to the edge on my own. But I did it... and I learned... and I came back for more.

Much of my life with my Dad was like that. Having a real relationship with him was elusive. It just wasn't to be. I wanted to be with him; I wanted the security of his love; and I wanted him to be proud of me. But just when I would feel safe and secure with him; just when I would relax and start to laugh; when I would least expect it, he would push me away again... and I would 'paddle and kick'. Some days I had to kick like my life depended on it. I hated it, but I did it... and I learned... and I came back for more.

Occasionally, now, I enjoy a memory or two of my Dad. I like to remember how entertaining he was; how he made us laugh. My sisters and I often find ourselves quoting his "one-liners" and enjoying a private chuckle. We remember the highs and the lows; the volatile moods; the enthusiasm that would rise and then suddenly take a nosedive. But the thing that makes me happy is that I can remember when he was young and handsome and brilliant and funny and that he loved me. That is how I remember him today; holding me tight and keeping me safe in the swimming pool...

I just wish he wouldn't have let go.

Laser Blue...

We got our first brand new car in 28 years! A Laser Blue Chevy Equinox LT2. It is absolutely gorgeous and feels like it was made for me! (The days of no car payment are over for awhile... but I will accept that.) Two years of planning went into this happy purchase.


Phil said, "Happy Valentine's Day" and "Happy Birthday" and "Happy Graduation" all in one! THANK YOU! I LOVE IT!

p.s. There is room for at least three car seats for our grandchildren...

Dedicate...

"To set apart for a special use. To commit oneself to a particular course of action."


The Sunday baby dedication ceremony was simple and sweet, much like the ones that came to observe it. In it, Roger and Rachel made a public commitment to raise their little boy in a Godly home and allow him to be all God created him to be. We, in turn, made our own commitment to support this little family in their endeavor. Owen's real grandmas and grandpas and aunts were there, but so were his "church" grammas and grampas and aunts.
There is nothing quite so sweet as the fellowship of believers as they gather to encourage and support their own. It is a true family. The Family of God.

Glorious morning...

There it is low in the western sky
The bright and beautiful moon.
And to the east the sunrise says,
"The day is coming soon!"

Glorious mornings inspire me -
The promise of a brand new day.
The hope it brings is from the One
Who turned my night to day.

"May I use this day, O Lord,
Doing that which is the Best.
And when I sink into my bed
Please grant me replenishing Rest."

Orthodontia...

In spite of several lost retainers, (and searches through garbage bins and swimming pool filters)...
In spite of a few broken wires due to eating hard candy, carmel corn and apples...
In spite of the mess made because of our inability to abstain from chewing gum...
In spite of many trips back for more wax to protect tender cheeks and lips...

An investment in Orthodontia - only $7,500.00 for 5 people! (Average cost $1500)

The return on the investment - Priceless!
Smiles, Smiles, Smiles!
"Thanks, Dad!"

One of Life's Little Lessons...

First you find your foot...

and next find your big toe...










Then you put it in your mouth.






WOW! What a good learner...

Happy Birthday, Rachie...

Moon Shadows...

"Did you see the moon out there?" I asked.
"Yup", he replied, "and I saw moon shadows too!"
I ran to the door just to see and I am glad I took the time.



It took me back. Way back. Back to when she was a little girl. She was my friend and she was also my favorite "moodshadow" companion. She was the one that would take the time to ask me to go out for a little walk at night when the moon was bright. I'm glad I took the time.
Walking at night is especially enjoyable when the moon is full and bright and casts your shadow far out ahead of you. When your eyes get used to the night, it is no longer dark, but beamy. The radiant moon luminates the world in a way very different from the sun. It's exciting and interesting and a new way to look at ordinary things. And then there are the moon shadows. Long and tall and strange; sometimes eerie or ghost-like, but always a delight to discover. Moon shadow tag? I am glad I took the time.

Happy Birthday, Markie boy...

Forty-two years ago you made our day;
Your "grand entrance" came with minor delay.


A new little brother with which to play;
You're now a man who'll be famous one day!


In our hearts you know you will stay,
So Happy Birthday on this New Year's Day.

An Innocent Bystander...

It really wasn't his idea, but he went along with it anyway.
He figured that if it made his aunts happy, he would be glad to wear the green jersey with the number 4 on it. What's the big deal?
His Mommy and Daddy were both quite diplomatic and didn't comment or complain as we put it on him. They let him wear it home and then to his other Grampa's house. That's when things got a bit sticky. It seems that the Minnesota relatives don't like the color... or something. Well, I dunno.... What's the big deal?
His Uncle Mark says he has good taste as it concerns his wardrobe. He says maybe we'll get a little holiday miracle and the Packers will make the playoffs. In short, he says, the Giants have to lose and the Packers have to win. (and that's the big deal!)

What's for lunch?

Diane's White Chile
(This would taste good anytime, but was especially delicious on a recent winter day for my family. I doubled the recipe.)
Ingredients:
1 T Olive Oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cubed.
1/2 onion, chopped
1 1/4 cups reduced-salt chicken broth
1 small (4 oz) can mild green chilies, chopped
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried cilantro
1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper
1 can (15 oz) cannelloni or white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 green onions (white part and 3 inches of green part) chopped
2 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Directions:

• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onions; cook 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in broth, green chilies and spices. Simmer 15 minutes. Stir in beans and simmer 5 minutes more.
• Serve chili immediately, topped with green onions and cheese.
• Add a green salad and warm cornbread for a complete meal.
• Recipe from Diane Powell - friend and educator.
  

Merry Christmas...

Lighted Christmas trees, so straight and tall;
With surprises beneath them for one and all.
Bright eyes and smiles and loved ones around
Christmas traditions and memories abound.

Look to the manger, the baby so small;
Emmanuel, "God with us", for one and for all.
Bright hope of heaven, the angels still herald,
New Christmas miracles and joy to the world!

Merry Christmas and may God bless us... every one.

Happy Birthday, Mimi...

When are you gonna act your age?

Hope you always stay so cute! Love, MM xoxoxoxoxoxxo